The Minns Labor Government has partnered with the NRL to secure regional NSW as the host of the in the first NRLW Magic Rounds, with one to be delivered each season for the next three years, as the government continues work to drive economic growth in regional communities and promote women’s participation in sport.
The inaugural regional Magic Round will be held in July 2025, with over 40,000 fans expected to flood McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle over one weekend as they host all 12 teams for every game.
In a win for the regional economy, fans are expected to travel from far and wide, spending money at local businesses, restaurants, and accommodation providers. Further, the host area will benefit from destination promotion in the lead up to the event as well as media exposure over the weekend, showcasing everything regional NSW and the area has to offer.
The NSW Government and NRL share a commitment to championing women’s involvement in sport. The weekend will include multiple community programs designed to encourage young women in regional NSW to participate in the game, including clinics at local schools.
NRLW is going from strength to strength with the 2024 season drawing record crowds, and grassroots participation at an all-time high, with 45,000 women and young girls registered in community rugby league.
2025 is expected to continue to build on the sports success, with the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and New Zealand Warriors to join the NRLW competition for the first time, growing the competition to 12 teams.
Locations for the 2026 and 2027 regional Magic Rounds will be announced prior to each season kicking off.
Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:
“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 regardless of postcode.
“It’s great to see the Bankstown Bulldogs join the competition this year, with double the shot at a premiership I’ve got a good feeling about with 2025 season.”
Yasmin Catley, Minister for the Hunter said:
“No one loves sport more than Novocastrians. We are so proud to host the Women’s Rugby League and we know we will see a packed house again next year.
“Everyone knows Newcastle is the heart of rugby league it could also be the home to a new generation of essential workers.
“There’s never been a better time to join the NSW Police – we’ve put a historic pay offer on the table, we’re paying recruits to train and have created a pathway for recruits to work in or near their hometown after attesting. We can’t wait to highlight all this at the Magic Round.”
Tara Moriarty, Minister for Regional New South Wales said:
“This opportunity will allow us to showcase the benefits of living and working in our regions and will also promote to teachers, nurses, paramedics and police why making the move to regional NSW makes sense.
“This partnership between the NSW Government and the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Rugby League will see regional NSW sit alongside Las Vegas, State of Origin and the Grand Final as showpiece destination events on the rugby league calendar.”
“Our Government is committed to bringing economic development and major attractions to regional NSW and showing the nation and world what a great a place it is to work and live.
“Women’s elite sport is reaching new heights and I want to make sure that our regional communities can join that momentum and be inspired to follow in the footsteps of our new sporting heroes.
“Bringing Magic Round to regional NSW means more money spent in local restaurants, bars, tourist attractions, accommodation, shops and local businesses, which in turn generates positive flow on effects for the local economy and local workers.”
Steve Kamper, Minister for Sport said:
“NSW is the home of NRL, and Newcastle has embraced the women’s game, with last year’s Women’s State of Origin in Newcastle selling out for the first time.
“I have no doubt footy fans from around the country will once again flock to McDonald Jones Stadium to see the likes of Isabelle Kelly, Ali Brigginshaw, and Tiana Penitani, all at the same ground.
“This is a big win not just for NSW sport fans, but for our regional business community. By hosting it in our regional centres, we will inject millions of extra dollars into our regional pubs, hotels and restaurants.”
Jodie Harrison, Minister for Women said:
“This exciting partnership between the NRL and our government is great news for regional women and girls.
“Interest in women’s sport has seen a tremendous increase in recent years, and hosting the NRLW Magic Round in a regional town means we are making sure that regional women benefit from this.
“We want to empower women and girls to participate in sports at all levels. These games will provide regional women and girls opportunities to grow their interest, and perhaps inspire them to follow in the footsteps of their sporting heroes.”
Peter V’landys, Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission 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,” ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said.
“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.”
