MAGIC FRIDAY - FROM THE ARCHIVE

A look back to 2018 and the last pre-Magic Weekend visit of Bradford Bulls to Kingston Park

Magic Friday is now an established fixture of the rugby league calendar in the North East, with Newcastle Thunder having hosted a round of Betfred Championship or League 1 action the night before Super League's Magic Weekend kicks off at St James' Park.

In the years that the event has taken place in the region, York City Knights have provided the opposition most often, with Thunder taking on the team from the Minster City on four occasions.

Bradford Bulls however were the team in town at the biggest Magic Friday to date in 2018, when a crowd of 4,137 filed through the turnstiles to enjoy a pulsating game.

Playing in League 1 after relegation from the Championship in 2017, the Bulls arrived on Tyneside at the top of the tree as they lived up to their pre-season billing as the side to beat in the competition.

Thunder though were proving a competitive force themselves and delivered a spirited performance as they more than matched their illustrious opponents.

Racing into a 12-0 lead, Thunder were eventually able pegged back by the Bulls before the West Yorkshire outfit eased out to a winning position.

Thunder TV caught the best of the action and atmosphere on the evening. Ahead of this year's edition on July 8, relieve the night with the video above