Next NRL Magic Round contract ‘won’t just come down to money’

Two other states are circling to snare Queensland’s mega successful NRL Magic Round, with the Sunshine State’s rights to host the footy festival expiring next year.

Brisbane is “in the box seat” to hang on to the hugely successful NRL Magic Round in the face of poaching raids by rival states, with high-level sources revealing the mega event will not necessarily go to the highest bidder.

The River City hosted what was widely seen as the biggest and best Magic Round since the concept was launched at Suncorp Stadium in 2019, with near-perfect weather helping attract record crowds.

But with Queensland’s rights to host the prized footy festival expiring next year, other states including Western Australia and South Australie are circling.

NRL and Palaszczuk government sources have told The Courier-Mail that formal talks for the next Magic Round contract are yet to begin, but say the decision will not just come down to money.

Gold Coast Titans’ Brian Kelly celebrates after scoring a try against Parramatta Eels during Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium on May 7. Picture: Getty Images

“It won’t all be about which state writes the biggest cheque – the whole experience of Magic Round will be a crucial factor,” a source close to the negotiations said.

“Queensland is in the box seat because of its proven success in hosting Magic Round and the entire experience it turns on for the teams and fans, from the weather through to the venue (Suncorp Stadium) and its proximity to major hotels and entertainment precincts like Caxton St.

“Other would-be bidders like Adelaide and Perth have oval stadiums which don’t offer rugby league fans anything like the game-day experience of Suncorp and aren’t as accessible.”

Brisbane-based Australian Rugby League Commission director and former Queensland tourism minister, Kate Jones, said the next Magic Round contract would not be a “cash grab”.

“Magic Round is now a proven concept – not only does Queensland want to keep it, but other states would like to poach it,” she said.

Bronco Kurt Capewell thanks the crowd during Brisbane’s win over Manly Sea Eagles at Suncorp Stadium on May 5. Picture: Getty Images

“Obviously, we have to look at whatever options end up being on the table and what’s in the best interests of the game and the fans, but this isn’t a cash grab – it’s about making sure it’s the best experience.

“We value our relationship with the Queensland government.

“Magic Round wouldn’t have happened without their initial support.

“We created Magic Round not only as a festival of footy but as a new way to attract visitors to Queensland, and the fact that we broke 50,000 interstate visitors this year proves that the Magic Round concept in Queensland works.”

Gold Coast Titans’ Keano Kini celebrates with his family and fans after the Magic Round win over Parramatta Eels at Suncorp Stadium on May 7. Picture: Getty Images

Business, tourism and civic leaders are calling on the state government to pull out all stops to keep Magic Round in the Sunshine State, with new figures showing the biggest crowds in Queen St Mall this year.

A Brisbane Economic Development Agency spokeswoman said foot traffic through the mall was up almost 20 per cent over the weekend, and crowds up to 60 per cent higher than previous Magic Rounds.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the success of this year’s festival demonstrated the city was the event’s “rightful home”.

“Since day one, we have proudly backed this homegrown event … and it just keeps getting bigger and better each year,” Mr Schrinner said.