Regional NSW Scores NRLW Magic Round

The inaugural regional Magic Round will be held in July 2025, with over 40,000 fans expected to flood McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle over one weekend as they host all 12 teams for every game.

In a win for the regional economy, fans are expected to travel from far and wide, spending money at local businesses, restaurants, and accommodation providers. Further, the host area will benefit from destination promotion in the lead up to the event as well as media exposure over the weekend, showcasing everything regional NSW and the area has to offer.

The NSW Government and NRL share a commitment to championing women’s involvement in sport. The weekend will include multiple community programs designed to encourage young women in regional NSW to participate in the game, including clinics at local schools.

NRLW is going from strength to strength with the 2024 season drawing record crowds, and grassroots participation at an all-time high, with 45,000 women and young girls registered in community rugby league.

2025 is expected to continue to build on the sports success, with the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and New Zealand Warriors to join the NRLW competition for the first time, growing the competition to 12 teams.

Locations for the 2026 and 2027 regional Magic Rounds will be announced prior to each season kicking off.

“This is fantastic news, for footy fans and regional communities alike. Not only will this provide an incredible experience for fans, but it will also provide a massive boost to local economies,” said Chris Minns, Premier of NSW.

“It’s great to have seen the growth of women’s sport across all codes and all levels over the past few years and initiatives like this are an important way we can engage the next generation of sporting superstars regardless of postcode.

“It’s great to see the Bankstown Bulldogs join the competition this year, with double the shot at a premiership I’ve got a good feeling about with 2025 season.”

Yasmin Catley, Minister for the Hunter said it was a great boost for the local Newcastle region.

“We are so proud to host the Women’s Rugby League and we know we will see a packed house next year,” she said. 

“Everyone knows Newcastle is the heart of rugby league it could also be the home to a new generation of essential workers.”

Tara Moriarty, Minister for Regional NSW, said this could see many visitors from Sydney could be tempted to join many already in moving to the Hunter region.

“This opportunity will allow us to showcase the benefits of living and working in our regions and will also promote to teachers, nurses, paramedics and police why making the move to regional NSW makes sense,” she said.

“This partnership between the NSW Government and the National Rugby League will see regional NSW sit alongside Las Vegas, State of Origin and the Grand Final as showpiece destination events on the rugby league calendar.”

“Bringing Magic Round to regional NSW means more money spent in local restaurants, bars, tourist attractions, accommodation, shops and local businesses, which in turn generates positive flow on effects for the local economy and local workers.”

Steve Kamper, Minister for Sport, said this is a great win for regional NSW.

“NSW is the home of NRL, and Newcastle has embraced the women’s game, with last year’s Women’s State of Origin in Newcastle selling out for the first time,” he said.

“I have no doubt footy fans from around the country will once again flock to McDonald Jones Stadium to see the likes of Isabelle Kelly, Ali Brigginshaw, and Tiana Penitani, all at the same ground.

“This is a big win not just for NSW sport fans, but for our regional business community. By hosting it in our regional centres, we will inject millions of extra dollars into our regional pubs, hotels and restaurants.”

Peter V’landys, Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, said the Magic Round concept moving into the women’s competition is a sign of the growth of the NRLW competition.

“Magic Round has been one of the great success stories for the game and it is wonderful to be able to replicate the carnival and fun for the NRLW Premiership,” he said.

“The Commission is invested in women’s Rugby League and NRLW Magic Round is the next important step in the growth of the game.

“All 12 teams will play across two days in Newcastle, with all the innovation and excitement of Magic Round but now with our best female players.

“I’d like to thank the NSW Government for their investment in women’s sport. Importantly, this is an investment which will directly support pathways in Rugby League while also driving economic growth and prosperity in regional NSW.”