SAINTS wing Tommy Makinson may be a Manchester United fan, but he's relishing the prospect of running out at Liverpool's Anfield Stadium again this weekend.

It is a ground that holds happy memories for the Golden Boot - and his hat-trick in the second test against the Kiwis at Liverpool last autumn went some way in securing that honour.

Makinson describes the iconic ground, which will be hosting the Dacia Magic Weekend for the first time, as more than a stadium - and hopes the experience will lift everyone.

Recalling last autumn with a smile, Makinson said: "Wrapping up that international series here in that second game was definitely a happy memory and as a player, hopefully I can add on that.

"As players you raise your game for big occasions and this is another one. Hopefully we can pack a few in Anfield and raise the bar."

Newcastle was a hugely popular Magic venue among the fans, and there are signs that the supporters still need some persuading over the switch of venue to one so close to the heartlands.

But Makinson knows the players will relish the opportunity of playing here and hopes the fans follow suit.

He said: "This is a stadium that you don’t get to play at too often in your career.

"For me I have been lucky to play here. You have to lift your game – and it is the last one on Sunday and that is going to be great.

"Coming to a place like this there should never be any negative energy. It is full of history and some unbelievable sport teams that have done well.

"Look at that game the other day against Barcelona at Anfield.

"I think our fans can take inspiration from that.

"It is an arena this, not just a sports stadium and this is where great moments happen.

"Hopefully we can come down and add another piece of history to this place."

Saints will bring the curtain down on the event, with the last game on Sunday against a Castleford side in good heart after raining on Leeds' parade for their big Headingley re-opening.

Given the titanic and entertaining clashes between the sides this past three years, Saints know they will have to be on their mettle for Sunday.

"It is going to be a tough game against a wounded Cas side, who have had a few injuries this year but will find form sooner or later.

"We are looking forward to playing them," Makinson said.

"Cas are one of the top five teams in the comp and have been there or thereabouts for the last three years.

"That is credit to the players and the coach. I have a lot of respect for Daryl Powell as a coach and they have great players all over the shop.

"They have injuries, but they will start hitting some form and whenever we play Cas it is always a good game so we are looking forward to it. We had that cracking Super League semi in 2017 and the cup games that have gone both ways."