NRL expansion paves way for extra games in mega Magic Round
Magic Round is already one of Brisbane’s biggest blockbuster weekends, but looming changes to the NRL could make it even bigger, and accessible to more Queenslanders.
QLD News
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Looming NRL expansion could transform Magic Round into an economic juggernaut stretching across southeast Queensland with regional mayors lining up for a slice of the action.
With teams from Papua New Guinea and Perth in line to be added to the competition in the years ahead, Magic Round could outgrow its Brisbane base as the feast of football swells from nine to potentially 10 or even 11 matches.
Suncorp Stadium’s hallowed turf is already the subject of annual scrutiny over whether it can withstand the rigours of the packed schedule and it would be unlikely to handle the burden of up to two more games across the Magic Round weekend.
That would open the door for other centres in the southeast to host any extra matches, with Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery and Sunshine Coast leader Rosanna Natoli all clamouring for a spot at the table.
The AFL’s Gather Round weekend hosts most matches at the Adelaide Oval but has also taken games to boutique venues including the Barossa Valley as part of a move to share the love across the region.
An expanded Magic Round would have scope for other venues to host games, live sites and fan activations across a weekend which already delivers up to $50 million for the Queensland economy.
There has been growing speculation over future expansion of the NRL, with talk of teams from Perth or PNG to be included in the NRL by 2028 – the year after the current Magic Round contract expires.
One more franchise – possibly based in Queensland, has also been mooted to expand the competition to 20 teams within the next decade, creating potential for a 10-game blockbuster weekend for Magic Round following a stand-alone women’s State of Origin match.
Mr Tate, who has previously said he would like Magic Round to come to the Gold Coast, said bringing the event to the Glitter Strip made sense.
“Magic Round and the Gold Coast would be a perfect fit,” he said.
“Cbus Stadium is a great rugby league venue, with Robina train station right on the doorstep.
“We are never short of accommodation options on the Gold Coast, with room for everyone.”
Mr Flannery said he would love the opportunity to host Magic Round games at the Dolphins’ Kayo Stadium.
“As the proud home of the Dolphins, City of Moreton Bay would be thrilled to share our city’s Kayo Stadium and community spirit with fans from across the country,” he said.
“Hosting Magic Round games here would be a fantastic chance to give NRL fans a slice of what makes our city so special (and) we’d gladly roll out the welcome mat to visiting teams and fans as part of any Magic Round future expansion.”
Ms Natoli said she was excited by the prospect of more NRL action in the future.
“Our region has proudly hosted numerous sold out NRL matches over the years (and) the redevelopment of our Sunshine Coast Stadium, which will host events at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, will significantly increase its capacity,” she said.
“These events not only help bring visitors to experience our beautiful region, but also provide a boost to our local economy.”
Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell steered clear of endorsing potential expansion venues, but said the state government was committed to the continued growth of Magic Round.
“Tourism and Events Queensland and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, in partnership with the NRL, are pivotal in ensuring the footprint of Magic Round continues to expand throughout the city,” he said.
“We’ve ensured this festival of footy is here until 2027 and with Queensland the premiere holiday destination in the country, this is the perfect place for it.
“We are great partners with the NRL, and I am very confident Magic Round will continue to grow with the Crisafulli government’s support.”
The NRL has been contacted for comment.
It is understood the administrators are happy with the current format of all games being played at Suncorp Stadium, but any future expansion could shift that stance.
Gather Round is viewed by many as a copycat of the NRL equivalent, but offers a point of difference as fans watch games at suburban grounds or in the tourist hot spot of the Barossa Valley before making their way back into the city for later games at the Adelaide Oval.
A 10 or 11-game weekend during Magic Round could deliver similar outcomes with Robina, Redcliffe and Kawana Waters all within 90 minutes of Suncorp Stadium.
Ahead of the night one double header, Caxton Street venues were heaving with high spirited fans dressed in every team’s colours.
Fans have travelled the across the state and country to experience the three-day footy extravaganza.
For Matt Burton, who had travelled with a group of mates from Rockhampton, the event was simply too good to miss.
“Where else does a group of mates get to see all our footy teams? Where else do you get to see that locally?” he said.
“It’s epic and it brings something to Brissy – to the people and businesses – it’s awesome.”
Following the Dolphins game on Friday night, the Cowboys will fly the Queensland flag as part of the Saturday action when they take on the Warriors, while the Titans (Bulldogs) and Broncos (Panthers) take to the field on Sunday afternoon.
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