The NRLW, the top division of women’s rugby league in Australia, will introduce a Magic Round event in 2025, with the first edition to take place at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has announced a three-year agreement with the New South Wales government, which will see the NRLW Magic Round played in regional locations across the state between 2025 and 2027.
The Magic Round will see all 12 teams play across two days at the same stadium, with the event to form a key part of the NRL Women’s Premiership schedule. ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has confirmed that the 2026 and 2027 events will be played in different locations.
McDonald Jones Stadium is home to the NRL’s Newcastle Knights and A-League football team Newcastle Jets. The stadium also hosted a Women’s State of Origin game earlier this year.
V’landys said: “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. 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.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns added: “The NSW government is proud to partner with the NRL on delivering the first NRLW Magic Rounds in regional New South Wales. 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.
“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 all across the state.”
The men’s NRL has staged a Magic Round since 2019, with every edition taking place at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. The Super League also hosts its own Magic Weekend, and it was announced at the weekend that the event would return to St James’ Park, home of Newcastle United, in 2025.
In other news, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) football governing body has announced plans to move all A-League Women matches for this weekend’s Unite Round from Leichhardt Oval to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
A pitch assessment took place at Leichhardt Oval yesterday (Monday) following Saturday’s Sydney derby, and its condition did not meet the standards to host the Unite Round. The event will now move across New South Wales to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
Due to the late change, fans will be able to attend all Unite Round fixtures for free. No ticket will be required to gain access to the venue, and existing Leichhardt Oval ticket holders will be offered a full refund.
The event will see two matches played on Friday, two on Saturday and two on Sunday.
