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The NRL is set to introduce an annual women’s Magic Round from next season, with the inaugural two-day event to be held in Newcastle.
On Tuesday, the league confirmed the men’s format would be copied into the NRLW from 2025, with regional venues in NSW to host for the next three years.
Six matches will be played over two days at McDonald Jones Stadium, as part of the expanded 12-team competition with the addition of Canterbury and the return of the Warriors.
Newcastle has become the epicentre of women’s rugby league popularity in recent years.
A sold-out crowd of 25,782 attended State of Origin II this year at the ground – a record for the highest-attended stand-alone women’s match in history.
“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,” ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said in a statement.
“The commission is invested in women’s Rugby League and NRLW Magic Round is the next important step in the growth of the game.”
But the yet-to-be-scheduled weekend in 2025 could also double as the next time Tamika Upton plays at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The 2023 Dally M Medalist has requested a release from the club on compassionate grounds, keen to move back to Queensland.
The 27-year-old’s release is expected to be granted, in a mega blow for the Knights.
Upton won premierships wearing the No.1 jersey in 2019 and 2020 at Brisbane, before moving to Newcastle in 2022.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
She then steered the Knights to titles in her first two seasons at the club, claiming the Karyn Murphy Medal for player of the grand final in both wins.
“It’s unfortunate,” Karpani told AAP at the launch of NRLW’s Magic Round concept.
“I am going to miss Tamika, she is a great player and person. I wish her all the best.
“But it doesn’t (mean it’s over). Tamika is an amazing player, but she is one player.
“Our culture is strong at the Knights. Whoever comes in next will be just as good, it will be exciting to see how we go.”
Tamika Upton scores a try. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
NRLW players are hopeful similar crowds to the Women’s State of Origin will be replicated across the two days next year, creating the same kind of party atmosphere that occupies the men’s round.
“It’s a perfect fit,” Wests Tigers forward and Australia co-captain Kezie Apps said.
“It’ll be awesome, especially if they do similar activations and make it a big festival like they do for Magic Round for the guys.”
The announcement comes after Newcastle was also handed the women’s State of Origin series decider for 2025, on May 29.
“Magic round is such an innovation, it’s been really popular for our fans for a number of years now,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.
“To be able to replicate something like that for the women’s game was high up on the commission’s priority list.
“We talk about (the record-breaking Newcastle Origin crowd) all the time. It was a real watershed moment for the women’s game.
“Because it was literally pouring with rain, and we had a full house. It was a real turning point.”
© AAP
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