Gary Larson appears at Magic Round in his North Sydney jersey

There’s been a fair bit of magic sprinkled around Suncorp Stadium this weekend, and just about no moment was better than a former Origin champ taking a trip down memory road.

Former Queensland forward Gary Larson outside Suncorp Stadium during the Magic Round. Picture supplied

Robert Craddock looks at the good bits and the bad bits of the weekend of NRL, from old legends attending Magic Round to why Phil Gould might actually be a bit of a genius. Read the Round 9 wrap here.

Former Queensland forward Gary Larson outside Suncorp Stadium during the Magic Round.

ONSIDE

1. LARSON WITH A BIT OF MAGIC

TACKLING machine Gary Larson spent a good deal of his playing career strewn across the Suncorp Stadium turf but it was the sight of him lying outside which summed up the spirit of Magic Round.

It’s quite rare for footballers to be spotted in their old jerseys but, much to the delight of fans with cameras, Larson donned his old North Sydney jersey as he came to Brisbane with 20 mates from Gladstone.

Larson, much admired in his post playing career for his successful fight against prostate cancer, playfully polished his State of Origin plaque on the walk of fame, not the sort of sight you would see in a routine club game.

The Magic Round brought out rare and precious flavors and livened up the often laborious mid-season schedule. Queensland must ensure it continues beyond a two year deal – and that they own it for good.

Craig Bellamy speaks to the media after the match. Picture: Alix Sweeney

2. THE BELLYACHE BAKE

MAGIC round proved you can still give players a magic spray – but you have to pick your mark.

The Melbourne Storm players arrived in town still chastened from a massive spray from coach Craig Bellamy who threatened sackings last weekend if they did not improve and backed up his anger at an early week meeting.

Bellamy proved again that he is a master of timing and manipulation and the sight of him blowing up in the box as Curtis Scott refused to pass inside late in the Storm’s 64-10 win summed up the mindset of a man who is never satisfied.

From start to finish Magic Round was a winner. Picture: AAP/Steve Pohlner

3. NO LOSERS IN NEW CONCEPT

THE art of successfully introducing a new concept is not all about pleasing people but offending as few as possible.

This was one of the big successes with Magic Round. Unless you were a southern fan who liked going to game in Sydney, everyone won.

Home teams who sacrificed games got around $250,000 when they might have made $100,000. The Queensland Government kicked in $2.5 million but got 26,000 visitors. Fans who came north enjoyed the weather and 23 Queensland schools got visits from the stars.

Cooper Cronk was back at his old stomping ground. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

4. THE DEVIL’S LAIR

Of all the nostalgia generated by the Magic Round one genuine sweet spot was Cooper Cronk returning to his old stomping ground Norths where 500 people turned up to watch the Roosters train.

Cronk found himself floating back in time.

“Just driving down the old driveway … it’s been 16 years since I’ve done it,’’ Cronk said. “The Devil’s Lair is still there. I remember getting changed and going into the tunnel and the crowd cheering “go Norths”. I formed some great friendships there.’’

THE BEST ONSIDE TWEETS

■ Damian Torrie, @DFT85: Pros: Great atmosphere with groups of fans chatting to each other about different things. Cons: Not enough was told about the goings on in and around the ground. Like winning tickets in certain areas.

■ David White, @journoyt: Magic round tops. No Thurs game. Rotate it around the country. Not sure about Melbourne.

■ Troy Terp, @TroyTerp: Send the Lang Park Curator to look after the SCG.

■ Samantha Cox, @Golfmaniac89: Town was buzzing. Saw multiple fans in jerseys other than Broncos on Friday morning 10am in local establishments talking footy.

The Broncos need to be cautious in their chase for Cody Walker.

OFFSIDE

1. THE BIG GAMBLE

They say those who don’t learn from history are condemned by it and that’s why the Broncos have to be ultra-cautious in their pursuit of gifted Souths playmaker Cody Walker.

Walker, last night dubbed the most influential player in this season’s NRL, is one of the code’s genuine stars but the Broncos are not recruiting him for next week.

He’s 29 and by the time he arrived at Red Hill in 2021 he would be the same age as Darius Boyd is now – 31 – and would be on about the same money ($800,000).

Given all the controversy over Boyd’s contract surely a long term dice roll on a player of a similar age would be a significant gamble.

2. THROW BACK THURSDAY

FANS and officials are in agreement that Thursday is a bridge too soon for Magic Round.

The most popular pass was a three day pass and if broadcasters Fox and Channel 9 will allow it, it makes sense for Magic round to be a three day festival starting Friday with Thursday night scrapped.

Phil Gould is the smartest man in rugby league. Picture: Tony Feder/Getty Images

3. GOULD’S MAGIC TIMING

Phil Gould is often lauded as the smartest man in rugby league. You can say that again.

Gould has displayed impeccable timing in leaving Penrith as a time when their $8 million plan to unite Ivan and Nathan Cleary has them equal last on the competition ladder and on the verge of a full-on implosion.

This time last year they were third under Anthony Griffin who was brutally sacked by Gould late last season despite the fact they were en route to the final.

Ivan Cleary looked mentally shot in an interview With Fox Sports on Saturday.

The Denver Test was a complete failure.

4. NOT SO EASY

Magic Round worked in Brisbane but league officials cannot kid themselves into thinking they could take it overseas.

There has been speculation it could be taken to the United States. Be careful with that one. The last time rugby league had a big dip in the States with a Denver Test between England and New Zealand the promoter went broke.

THE BEST OFFSIDE TWEETS

■ Rob, @dopeyrabbit: Ticket prices are still too high. For my family 2 adults, 3 kids to sit behind the posts in the supporter section was over $300. Or $170 in the top tier. I took nine people to the NRL last year for $150.

■ Sean Dunn, @seanydunn: Holding it in Brisbane is like giving Clive Palmer a vote. The “home of rugby league” yet all games were not sold out? Last year’s wooden spooners versus the Storm was always going to be a joke.

Originally published as Gary Larson appears at Magic Round in his North Sydney jersey