NRL rocked by Magic Round cocaine drama at Suncorp Stadium

The NRL Integrity Unit has been made aware of an arrest made during Magic Round over alleged drug possession.

Crowds inside Suncorp Stadium. Photo Steve Pohlner

The NRL Integrity Unit has reportedly been made aware of a cocaine bust at Suncorp Stadium during Magic Round last weekend.

As first reported by The Courier-Mail, a spectator, who was a guest inside a $10,000 corporate suite at the Brisbane venue, was arrested on the spot after Queensland Police sniffer dogs allegedly uncovered a bag of cocaine.

Queensland Police have confirmed in a statement: “A 37-year-old man was arrested at the NRL Magic Round on Friday, May 17, 2024 for alleged drug possession”.

According to News Corp, the man was a guest of a Canterbury Bulldogs sponsor.

The entire party inside the plush suite was evicted during the Bulldogs’ loss to the Raiders on Friday night.

Suncorp Stadium before the opening match of Magic Round in 2024. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images.

Queensland Police were reportedly called to the site after security staff were told by stadium staff about alleged suspicious behaviour inside the level six box.

Canterbury chief executive Aaron Warburton was notified about the incident because of the sponsor’s ties with the club.

“The Bulldogs have been made aware of an alleged incident involving a guest of a guest in a private suite at Magic Round,” Warburton said.

“We understand that the matter in question was referred to the Queensland police.

“It is important to note that the incident did not involve an employee or registered official.

Crowds inside Suncorp Stadium. Photo Steve Pohlner

“The Bulldogs will fully co-operate with relevant authorities should they wish to review the matter further and remind all patrons to abide by stadium policies in line with the values of our game.”

There is no suggestion the Canterbury sponsor, nor the Bulldogs club, is guilty of any wrongdoing or faces any sanctions from the NRL.

Magic Round, meanwhile, is staying in Brisbane for at least the next three years.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys said last week “Queensland without rugby league is like a beach without sand and sun”.

Now in its fifth year, the concept appears to be more popular than ever, with the NRL announcing an official attendance of 149,196.

There had been calls for New Zealand or other major Australian cities to host the annual event, but Magic Round is staying put until at least the end of 2027.

— with NCA NewsWire

You can read the full details of the arrest in The Courier Mail

Originally published as NRL rocked by Magic Round cocaine drama at Suncorp Stadium