Paul Cullen told Boots 'n' All he expects the Super League Magic Weekend to deliver some pulsating rugby.

The 14 top-flight outfits will showcase their talents at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium on Saturday and Sunday, with matches including Castleford against Wakefield, Bradford versus Leeds and St Helens clashing with table-toppers Wigan.

Click here for our live coverage details

And Widnes' director or rugby, Cullen, says the showpiece event will be of great benefit to teams in both the upper echelons and lower reaches of the Super League standings.

"The concept is brilliant and the fact it's in Manchester is even better," said Cullen, whose Vikings side will lock horns with second-placed Warrington on Saturday afternoon.

"There are mouth-watering games right across the board. There are possible dress rehearsals for semi-finals to come later and for other clubs the chance to play in big games in big stadiums.

Soak up

"I remember my early days coaching at Warrington when the group wasn't quite ready for semi-finals and finals.

"It was a chance for the players to soak up the atmosphere and see what life is like in the big time, so it will be a great chance for all clubs to have a great weekend."

Hull FC director of rugby, Shaun McRae, will witness his squad go head-to-head with city rivals Hull KR at the home of the newly-crowned Premier League champions.

The Australian is expecting the Humberside clubs to play out a fiery contest, but hopes that his charges focus on claiming a win that would consolidate their place in the Super League's top eight.

"I don't think it matters where you play an FC-KR derby as people will be enthralled by the atmosphere," said McRae. "The supporters of both clubs are absolutely fanatical and it brings the best out everybody.

"There is a bragging right available at the end of the game but more importantly there are two competition points at stake and that's the key for the whole weekend. While it [the Magic Weekend] is a showcase for the game, every team is still vying to climb that ladder.

On the venue for this year's Magic Weekend, McRae added: "I'm delighted it's in Manchester as the area has a real untapped talent, both in terms of supporter base and playing base; there are some talents there who could be converted into rugby league."

For more on the Magic Weekend, hit the video at the top of the page.