RISING Giants star Michael Lawrence is hoping this year’s Magic Weekend is even more memorable than last year’s event in Cardiff.

Huddersfield face Super League strugglers Celtic Crusaders at Murrayfield on Sunday for what the 19-year-old centre admits will be his first trip to Scotland.

It will be Lawrence’s second Magic Weekend appearance after he played for the Giants in their controversial 36-34 defeat to Warrington Wolves at the Millennium Stadium.

But the contest proved a personal success for the former Newsome Panthers junior, who scored his first Super League try that day.

And he is hoping to repeat that feat again this weekend – as long as the Giants triumph!

“It should be a great occasion in a cracking ground, although at this stage I obviously can’t take my selection for granted,” said the England Academy international.

“I played at Cardiff last year in front of 30,000 fans, and that was amazing, but it sounds as if Murrayfield will be even better.

“I’ve never been to Scotland, so I’m really looking forward to seeing a new part of the world and playing at such a famous stadium.

“It would obviously be great to score a try at another top venue as I continue to develop.

“I still don’t consider myself an established first-team player yet, because I still feel I have to prove myself to Nathan Brown.

“But a big performance on such a big stage would certainly help, particularly as we need to start winning again after a bad fortnight.

“We were a bit scrappy against Crusaders on Good Friday (Huddersfield won 30-10), and they’ve improved since then, so we know we’re going to have to play to our best.”

Advance ticket sales mean Lawrence and his Giants teammates will be backed by well over 1,000 fans at Murrayfield.

And managing director Richard Thewlis believes that will go a long way to making sure the weekend is a huge success.

“It’s a great weekend’s feast of rugby league in a superb city, and to see the claret and gold in such numbers is a huge boost for us,” said Thewlis, who is also Scotland RL manager.

“The concept of the Magic Weekend allows supporters to see all the clubs in one hit and to mix and mingle with the fans in traditional rugby league fashion.

“It’s certainly a highlight of the season and speaking to my contacts up in Scotland who were involved with the national team they say there is a real sense of anticipation in the city and that the locals are keen to get behind the event.”