The countdown has begun for the inaugural NRLW Magic Round with the Hunter hosting the first event thanks to a three-year partnership between the NSW Government and the NRL.
The NRLW Magic Round will kick off at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on 2-3 August, with the NSW Government partnering with the NRL to bring the first three seasons of the series to regional NSW locations.
Tickets for the Newcastle Magic Round go on sale today for a weekend in which all 12 NRLW teams will compete in this historic event.
Supported by the NSW Government's Make the Move campaign, the partnership celebrates women's rugby league and the next generation of players while showcasing why regional NSW is a great place to settle, prosper and play.
With 12 NRLW teams going head-to-head in the Magic Round, some 60,000 footy fans are expected to come from far and wide to watch their favourite players in action and get a glimpse of what regional NSW has to offer.
Fans are expected to travel from across the State, spending money at local businesses, restaurants, and accommodation providers.
Through the NSW Government's $25.1 million Essential Worker Attraction Program, the Make the Move campaign aims to show city-based essential workers - like nurses, teachers, vets, police and paramedics - the benefits of building a life in regional NSW.
The NSW Government is encouraging footy fans to get in early to buy tickets to the NRLW Magic Round and spend extra time exploring everything the region has to offer.
Fans can secure two-day passes from 10am today for club members and from 10am Thursday for the general public. Single-day passes are available from Thursday 17 April.
To find out more about the Make the Move campaign, go to the Regional NSW, make the move web page.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
"Newcastle is the heart of rugby league and we are incredibly proud to host the inaugural Women's Magic Round.
"Hosting the round is a huge win for our city and a great chance for the tens of thousands of visitors to see firsthand why Newcastle is such a fantastic place to live work and play."
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"Big sporting events are so often held in Sydney, so I am thrilled that the NSW Government has secured regional NSW to host the first three years of the NRLW Magic Round.
"I'd encourage everyone to grab their tickets, watch some footy, and take an extra couple of days to see why NSW has become the number one tourist destination in the country.
"I am particularly looking forward to watching my team - the Canberra Raiders - show the rest of the NRLW teams how it's done."
Steve Kamper, Minister for Sport and Tourism said:
"The Women's Magic Round weekend is expected to draw more than 60,000 fans, including Newcastle locals and those traveling from across NSW and beyond, to witness the NRLW's biggest names.
"We're excited that this marks the beginning of a new tradition for the NRLW, with Magic Round set to take place in regional locations for the next three years."
Andrew Abdo, Chief Executive Officer, the National Rugby League said:
"Magic Round has been a phenomenal success for our game, and it will be a wonderful opportunity for fans to experience that same colour and atmosphere in Newcastle for the first NRLW Magic Round in August this year.
"Magic Round is the next important step in the growth of the NRLW competition and it is great that we can bring that carnival experience to one of our most passionate Rugby League fanbases in Newcastle and showcase the best of the women's game for regional fans.
"We are extremely grateful for the investment and support of the NSW Government in helping us deliver another historic moment for Women's Rugby League."
Tim Crakanthorp, Member for Newcastle:
"The first ever Magic Round in Newcastle is a fantastic opportunity for the Hunter community to come together and support rugby league at its best.
"Footy fans from all over will gather to support their team. The love for women's rugby league in Newcastle is unquestionable, as we saw with last year's sold-out Origin Game II, and the Newcastle Knights' back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.
"This our chance to take Newcastle to another level."
