Latest news with #NRLWMagicRound
The Advertiser
05-08-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
NRL great keeps Southwell's career kicking along nicely
The great North Sydney Bears and Canterbury Bulldogs goal-kicker Daryl Halligan retired five years before Jesse Southwell was born, but the young Newcastle Knights NRLW star is reaping the benefits of his knowledge right now. The 20-year-old Southwell is on a season streak of 21 goals straight from six matches - a 100 per cent kicking record. Even in the wind and wet of the NRLW Magic Round at her home ground McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Sunday, she landed all three conversions in the 18-0 win over the Raiders. "I did feel pressure because it's been spoken about a bit," Southwell told AAP in the Knights' sheds. "It was the ones in front I was stressed most about, (thinking) 'don't miss these Jesse'. But the girls have been scoring near the posts for me, so that's been brilliant." And her brains trust off-field is the man who still sits in the top 10 (No.8) for the NRL's greatest points-scorers with 2034 from 855 goals and 80 tries in 230 games (1991-2000), even though he retired 25 years ago. Halligan is a kicking consultant with the Knights. "I'm doing heaps of stuff with him when he's in town," Southwell said. "He wants me to make sure my processes are the same in training as in games. "He also helps with the pressure moments, and I'm actually enjoying my kicking - just trying to make sure I keep hitting it in the right spot." It's not just Southwell's goal-kicking skills that have impressed her skipper and NSW Origin teammate Yasmin Clydsdale and helped the Knights to third spot on the NRLW ladder off the back of four straight wins. Southwell has five try assists, five line-break assists and eight forced drop-outs, and averages 305 kicking metres a game. "She's only 20 and has so much composure on the field. We're extremely lucky to have a player like her in our team," Clydsdale said. Coach Ben Jeffries echoed that sentiment. "Really proud of Jess - she's kicking really well at the moment, and her decision-making and patience for a young player is remarkable," he said. The great North Sydney Bears and Canterbury Bulldogs goal-kicker Daryl Halligan retired five years before Jesse Southwell was born, but the young Newcastle Knights NRLW star is reaping the benefits of his knowledge right now. The 20-year-old Southwell is on a season streak of 21 goals straight from six matches - a 100 per cent kicking record. Even in the wind and wet of the NRLW Magic Round at her home ground McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Sunday, she landed all three conversions in the 18-0 win over the Raiders. "I did feel pressure because it's been spoken about a bit," Southwell told AAP in the Knights' sheds. "It was the ones in front I was stressed most about, (thinking) 'don't miss these Jesse'. But the girls have been scoring near the posts for me, so that's been brilliant." And her brains trust off-field is the man who still sits in the top 10 (No.8) for the NRL's greatest points-scorers with 2034 from 855 goals and 80 tries in 230 games (1991-2000), even though he retired 25 years ago. Halligan is a kicking consultant with the Knights. "I'm doing heaps of stuff with him when he's in town," Southwell said. "He wants me to make sure my processes are the same in training as in games. "He also helps with the pressure moments, and I'm actually enjoying my kicking - just trying to make sure I keep hitting it in the right spot." It's not just Southwell's goal-kicking skills that have impressed her skipper and NSW Origin teammate Yasmin Clydsdale and helped the Knights to third spot on the NRLW ladder off the back of four straight wins. Southwell has five try assists, five line-break assists and eight forced drop-outs, and averages 305 kicking metres a game. "She's only 20 and has so much composure on the field. We're extremely lucky to have a player like her in our team," Clydsdale said. Coach Ben Jeffries echoed that sentiment. "Really proud of Jess - she's kicking really well at the moment, and her decision-making and patience for a young player is remarkable," he said. The great North Sydney Bears and Canterbury Bulldogs goal-kicker Daryl Halligan retired five years before Jesse Southwell was born, but the young Newcastle Knights NRLW star is reaping the benefits of his knowledge right now. The 20-year-old Southwell is on a season streak of 21 goals straight from six matches - a 100 per cent kicking record. Even in the wind and wet of the NRLW Magic Round at her home ground McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Sunday, she landed all three conversions in the 18-0 win over the Raiders. "I did feel pressure because it's been spoken about a bit," Southwell told AAP in the Knights' sheds. "It was the ones in front I was stressed most about, (thinking) 'don't miss these Jesse'. But the girls have been scoring near the posts for me, so that's been brilliant." And her brains trust off-field is the man who still sits in the top 10 (No.8) for the NRL's greatest points-scorers with 2034 from 855 goals and 80 tries in 230 games (1991-2000), even though he retired 25 years ago. Halligan is a kicking consultant with the Knights. "I'm doing heaps of stuff with him when he's in town," Southwell said. "He wants me to make sure my processes are the same in training as in games. "He also helps with the pressure moments, and I'm actually enjoying my kicking - just trying to make sure I keep hitting it in the right spot." It's not just Southwell's goal-kicking skills that have impressed her skipper and NSW Origin teammate Yasmin Clydsdale and helped the Knights to third spot on the NRLW ladder off the back of four straight wins. Southwell has five try assists, five line-break assists and eight forced drop-outs, and averages 305 kicking metres a game. "She's only 20 and has so much composure on the field. We're extremely lucky to have a player like her in our team," Clydsdale said. Coach Ben Jeffries echoed that sentiment. "Really proud of Jess - she's kicking really well at the moment, and her decision-making and patience for a young player is remarkable," he said.
The Advertiser
02-08-2025
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Heavy rain soaks Hunter as forecasters warn of flash floods
Heavy rain soaked the Hunter on Saturday, dumping around 60 millimetres since Friday on Newcastle, showing no signs of letting up. Except for a minor outage affecting about 10 homes at Twelve Mile Creek, the region was spared any major electrical outages, but forecasters warned residents to be prepared for the worst. Gusty winds and the unrelenting heavy rain were expected to bring possible flash flooding to an already sodden catchment. Forecasters warned rain gauges could net as much as 120 millimetres in isolated parts of the region, and between 60 and 90 millimetres elsewhere, as a trough and low pressure system off the northern coast deepened and moved toward the Mid North Coast. The system was expected to weaken into Saturday evening, August 2, before a second low built offshore on Sunday. Next week, a series of troughs and cold fronts are forecast to brush the south of the state. Daytime maximum temperatures wallowed in around 15 degrees across most of the region Saturday, as the beaches were pummelled by rough and grey surf that deterred even the most committed surfers. Surf forecasters said conditions were expected to be poor through much of the weekend, as the Bureau of Meteorology warned of dangerous surf and swell conditions through Monday. "Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas," forecasters said. Beaches were closed to swimmers on Saturday. Minor flood warnings have been issues for the region's rivers, with localised flooding expected as the weather deteriorate to its worst. Despite the weather, devoted fans braved the conditions for the NRLW Magic Round, which kicked off in Newcastle on Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium. While the fan activation space was quiet, a modest band of diehards flocked through the gates to see the weekend's drawcard event. Heavy rain soaked the Hunter on Saturday, dumping around 60 millimetres since Friday on Newcastle, showing no signs of letting up. Except for a minor outage affecting about 10 homes at Twelve Mile Creek, the region was spared any major electrical outages, but forecasters warned residents to be prepared for the worst. Gusty winds and the unrelenting heavy rain were expected to bring possible flash flooding to an already sodden catchment. Forecasters warned rain gauges could net as much as 120 millimetres in isolated parts of the region, and between 60 and 90 millimetres elsewhere, as a trough and low pressure system off the northern coast deepened and moved toward the Mid North Coast. The system was expected to weaken into Saturday evening, August 2, before a second low built offshore on Sunday. Next week, a series of troughs and cold fronts are forecast to brush the south of the state. Daytime maximum temperatures wallowed in around 15 degrees across most of the region Saturday, as the beaches were pummelled by rough and grey surf that deterred even the most committed surfers. Surf forecasters said conditions were expected to be poor through much of the weekend, as the Bureau of Meteorology warned of dangerous surf and swell conditions through Monday. "Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas," forecasters said. Beaches were closed to swimmers on Saturday. Minor flood warnings have been issues for the region's rivers, with localised flooding expected as the weather deteriorate to its worst. Despite the weather, devoted fans braved the conditions for the NRLW Magic Round, which kicked off in Newcastle on Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium. While the fan activation space was quiet, a modest band of diehards flocked through the gates to see the weekend's drawcard event. Heavy rain soaked the Hunter on Saturday, dumping around 60 millimetres since Friday on Newcastle, showing no signs of letting up. Except for a minor outage affecting about 10 homes at Twelve Mile Creek, the region was spared any major electrical outages, but forecasters warned residents to be prepared for the worst. Gusty winds and the unrelenting heavy rain were expected to bring possible flash flooding to an already sodden catchment. Forecasters warned rain gauges could net as much as 120 millimetres in isolated parts of the region, and between 60 and 90 millimetres elsewhere, as a trough and low pressure system off the northern coast deepened and moved toward the Mid North Coast. The system was expected to weaken into Saturday evening, August 2, before a second low built offshore on Sunday. Next week, a series of troughs and cold fronts are forecast to brush the south of the state. Daytime maximum temperatures wallowed in around 15 degrees across most of the region Saturday, as the beaches were pummelled by rough and grey surf that deterred even the most committed surfers. Surf forecasters said conditions were expected to be poor through much of the weekend, as the Bureau of Meteorology warned of dangerous surf and swell conditions through Monday. "Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas," forecasters said. Beaches were closed to swimmers on Saturday. Minor flood warnings have been issues for the region's rivers, with localised flooding expected as the weather deteriorate to its worst. Despite the weather, devoted fans braved the conditions for the NRLW Magic Round, which kicked off in Newcastle on Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium. While the fan activation space was quiet, a modest band of diehards flocked through the gates to see the weekend's drawcard event. Heavy rain soaked the Hunter on Saturday, dumping around 60 millimetres since Friday on Newcastle, showing no signs of letting up. Except for a minor outage affecting about 10 homes at Twelve Mile Creek, the region was spared any major electrical outages, but forecasters warned residents to be prepared for the worst. Gusty winds and the unrelenting heavy rain were expected to bring possible flash flooding to an already sodden catchment. Forecasters warned rain gauges could net as much as 120 millimetres in isolated parts of the region, and between 60 and 90 millimetres elsewhere, as a trough and low pressure system off the northern coast deepened and moved toward the Mid North Coast. The system was expected to weaken into Saturday evening, August 2, before a second low built offshore on Sunday. Next week, a series of troughs and cold fronts are forecast to brush the south of the state. Daytime maximum temperatures wallowed in around 15 degrees across most of the region Saturday, as the beaches were pummelled by rough and grey surf that deterred even the most committed surfers. Surf forecasters said conditions were expected to be poor through much of the weekend, as the Bureau of Meteorology warned of dangerous surf and swell conditions through Monday. "Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas," forecasters said. Beaches were closed to swimmers on Saturday. Minor flood warnings have been issues for the region's rivers, with localised flooding expected as the weather deteriorate to its worst. Despite the weather, devoted fans braved the conditions for the NRLW Magic Round, which kicked off in Newcastle on Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium. While the fan activation space was quiet, a modest band of diehards flocked through the gates to see the weekend's drawcard event.
The Advertiser
02-08-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
'Woo-woo': bewildering breast cancer case revealed for NRLW magic round
Sarah Withyman was diagnosed with breast cancer through a series of lucky events that she believes saved her life. She's sharing her story to support the Newcastle-based Breast Cancer Trials organisation. It's the charity partner for day one of the NRLW Magic Round at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. Sarah's family is football mad. Her three kids - Lennox, 14, Geogie, 11, and Alby, 8 - play for Valentine Devils. Lennox is also with the Newcastle Knights junior program. Sarah's niece Stevie Botham, 18, has been selected for the Australian Schoolgirls team. And husband Adam played for the Knights reserve grade. "We live and breathe football. There's no escaping it," Sarah said. "My daughter tried to be a ballerina, but now she's a footy player. "You can't walk down my hallway without getting tackled." Sarah was diagnosed in June 2021 at age 38. "To this day I'm bewildered by it. I was the healthiest and fittest I'd been in my life." She said the strange events that led to her diagnosis were "woo-woo kind of stuff". This included meeting a woman named Belinda because "my small child Alby kept going to her caravan while on holidays at Scotts Head". Belinda, who had breast cancer, urged Sarah to get a small lump on her breast checked. "Without this, I more than likely would not be here today," Sarah said. The lump turned out to be shingles, which went away with treatment. However, her doctor sent her for a mammogram and ultrasound "just to be safe". "They found a tiny tumour, which was not related at all to the initial lump," she said. "It was the most aggressive breast cancer. It was caught extremely early." Her lymph nodes were clear, but she opted for "four rounds of chemo for insurance". "I had a double mastectomy to seal the deal," she said. "Now I have breast implants after a breast reconstruction. I absolutely hate them. "They look all right, but I don't like the feel of them." At the time, she thought "chop them off, get rid of them". "Now I think I could have sat with it a bit longer," she said. "It was a crazy time. We were in the middle of COVID. I thought the world was going to end." Now 42, she has changed her perspective on life. "I do crazy shit I wish I did when I was 20. I'm just like f--k it, I could die. "It's probably a bit wild, but anything that petrifies me I give it a go. "I used to look four times before crossing the road." She's done a triathlon and climbed mountains. She swam 20 kilometres to raise $3000 for Breast Cancer Trials. She does surf boat rowing, which was "so out of my comfort zone". "I'd always been a bit shy, or not one to put myself out there. Now I don't care, whatever, judge away." Nonetheless, she had "always had a very positive mindset". "Some people give up and think 'poor me'. I've always been quite strong-minded. That helped massively." The NRLW Magic Round, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, features six NRLW games. Karen Price, CEO of Breast Cancer Trials, said "we want to raise awareness of how clinical trials can help people". "Women participating in our clinical trials today, and those diagnosed in the future, will benefit from advances made possible by our work." They focus on survival rates, improving treatments and preventing breast cancer in people who have the highest risk. Safely reducing the amount of treatment and preventing cancer from returning were other aims. "Our goals are strongly aligned to improvements in women's health, including participation in sport." Visit Sarah Withyman was diagnosed with breast cancer through a series of lucky events that she believes saved her life. She's sharing her story to support the Newcastle-based Breast Cancer Trials organisation. It's the charity partner for day one of the NRLW Magic Round at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. Sarah's family is football mad. Her three kids - Lennox, 14, Geogie, 11, and Alby, 8 - play for Valentine Devils. Lennox is also with the Newcastle Knights junior program. Sarah's niece Stevie Botham, 18, has been selected for the Australian Schoolgirls team. And husband Adam played for the Knights reserve grade. "We live and breathe football. There's no escaping it," Sarah said. "My daughter tried to be a ballerina, but now she's a footy player. "You can't walk down my hallway without getting tackled." Sarah was diagnosed in June 2021 at age 38. "To this day I'm bewildered by it. I was the healthiest and fittest I'd been in my life." She said the strange events that led to her diagnosis were "woo-woo kind of stuff". This included meeting a woman named Belinda because "my small child Alby kept going to her caravan while on holidays at Scotts Head". Belinda, who had breast cancer, urged Sarah to get a small lump on her breast checked. "Without this, I more than likely would not be here today," Sarah said. The lump turned out to be shingles, which went away with treatment. However, her doctor sent her for a mammogram and ultrasound "just to be safe". "They found a tiny tumour, which was not related at all to the initial lump," she said. "It was the most aggressive breast cancer. It was caught extremely early." Her lymph nodes were clear, but she opted for "four rounds of chemo for insurance". "I had a double mastectomy to seal the deal," she said. "Now I have breast implants after a breast reconstruction. I absolutely hate them. "They look all right, but I don't like the feel of them." At the time, she thought "chop them off, get rid of them". "Now I think I could have sat with it a bit longer," she said. "It was a crazy time. We were in the middle of COVID. I thought the world was going to end." Now 42, she has changed her perspective on life. "I do crazy shit I wish I did when I was 20. I'm just like f--k it, I could die. "It's probably a bit wild, but anything that petrifies me I give it a go. "I used to look four times before crossing the road." She's done a triathlon and climbed mountains. She swam 20 kilometres to raise $3000 for Breast Cancer Trials. She does surf boat rowing, which was "so out of my comfort zone". "I'd always been a bit shy, or not one to put myself out there. Now I don't care, whatever, judge away." Nonetheless, she had "always had a very positive mindset". "Some people give up and think 'poor me'. I've always been quite strong-minded. That helped massively." The NRLW Magic Round, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, features six NRLW games. Karen Price, CEO of Breast Cancer Trials, said "we want to raise awareness of how clinical trials can help people". "Women participating in our clinical trials today, and those diagnosed in the future, will benefit from advances made possible by our work." They focus on survival rates, improving treatments and preventing breast cancer in people who have the highest risk. Safely reducing the amount of treatment and preventing cancer from returning were other aims. "Our goals are strongly aligned to improvements in women's health, including participation in sport." Visit Sarah Withyman was diagnosed with breast cancer through a series of lucky events that she believes saved her life. She's sharing her story to support the Newcastle-based Breast Cancer Trials organisation. It's the charity partner for day one of the NRLW Magic Round at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. Sarah's family is football mad. Her three kids - Lennox, 14, Geogie, 11, and Alby, 8 - play for Valentine Devils. Lennox is also with the Newcastle Knights junior program. Sarah's niece Stevie Botham, 18, has been selected for the Australian Schoolgirls team. And husband Adam played for the Knights reserve grade. "We live and breathe football. There's no escaping it," Sarah said. "My daughter tried to be a ballerina, but now she's a footy player. "You can't walk down my hallway without getting tackled." Sarah was diagnosed in June 2021 at age 38. "To this day I'm bewildered by it. I was the healthiest and fittest I'd been in my life." She said the strange events that led to her diagnosis were "woo-woo kind of stuff". This included meeting a woman named Belinda because "my small child Alby kept going to her caravan while on holidays at Scotts Head". Belinda, who had breast cancer, urged Sarah to get a small lump on her breast checked. "Without this, I more than likely would not be here today," Sarah said. The lump turned out to be shingles, which went away with treatment. However, her doctor sent her for a mammogram and ultrasound "just to be safe". "They found a tiny tumour, which was not related at all to the initial lump," she said. "It was the most aggressive breast cancer. It was caught extremely early." Her lymph nodes were clear, but she opted for "four rounds of chemo for insurance". "I had a double mastectomy to seal the deal," she said. "Now I have breast implants after a breast reconstruction. I absolutely hate them. "They look all right, but I don't like the feel of them." At the time, she thought "chop them off, get rid of them". "Now I think I could have sat with it a bit longer," she said. "It was a crazy time. We were in the middle of COVID. I thought the world was going to end." Now 42, she has changed her perspective on life. "I do crazy shit I wish I did when I was 20. I'm just like f--k it, I could die. "It's probably a bit wild, but anything that petrifies me I give it a go. "I used to look four times before crossing the road." She's done a triathlon and climbed mountains. She swam 20 kilometres to raise $3000 for Breast Cancer Trials. She does surf boat rowing, which was "so out of my comfort zone". "I'd always been a bit shy, or not one to put myself out there. Now I don't care, whatever, judge away." Nonetheless, she had "always had a very positive mindset". "Some people give up and think 'poor me'. I've always been quite strong-minded. That helped massively." The NRLW Magic Round, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, features six NRLW games. Karen Price, CEO of Breast Cancer Trials, said "we want to raise awareness of how clinical trials can help people". "Women participating in our clinical trials today, and those diagnosed in the future, will benefit from advances made possible by our work." They focus on survival rates, improving treatments and preventing breast cancer in people who have the highest risk. Safely reducing the amount of treatment and preventing cancer from returning were other aims. "Our goals are strongly aligned to improvements in women's health, including participation in sport." Visit Sarah Withyman was diagnosed with breast cancer through a series of lucky events that she believes saved her life. She's sharing her story to support the Newcastle-based Breast Cancer Trials organisation. It's the charity partner for day one of the NRLW Magic Round at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. Sarah's family is football mad. Her three kids - Lennox, 14, Geogie, 11, and Alby, 8 - play for Valentine Devils. Lennox is also with the Newcastle Knights junior program. Sarah's niece Stevie Botham, 18, has been selected for the Australian Schoolgirls team. And husband Adam played for the Knights reserve grade. "We live and breathe football. There's no escaping it," Sarah said. "My daughter tried to be a ballerina, but now she's a footy player. "You can't walk down my hallway without getting tackled." Sarah was diagnosed in June 2021 at age 38. "To this day I'm bewildered by it. I was the healthiest and fittest I'd been in my life." She said the strange events that led to her diagnosis were "woo-woo kind of stuff". This included meeting a woman named Belinda because "my small child Alby kept going to her caravan while on holidays at Scotts Head". Belinda, who had breast cancer, urged Sarah to get a small lump on her breast checked. "Without this, I more than likely would not be here today," Sarah said. The lump turned out to be shingles, which went away with treatment. However, her doctor sent her for a mammogram and ultrasound "just to be safe". "They found a tiny tumour, which was not related at all to the initial lump," she said. "It was the most aggressive breast cancer. It was caught extremely early." Her lymph nodes were clear, but she opted for "four rounds of chemo for insurance". "I had a double mastectomy to seal the deal," she said. "Now I have breast implants after a breast reconstruction. I absolutely hate them. "They look all right, but I don't like the feel of them." At the time, she thought "chop them off, get rid of them". "Now I think I could have sat with it a bit longer," she said. "It was a crazy time. We were in the middle of COVID. I thought the world was going to end." Now 42, she has changed her perspective on life. "I do crazy shit I wish I did when I was 20. I'm just like f--k it, I could die. "It's probably a bit wild, but anything that petrifies me I give it a go. "I used to look four times before crossing the road." She's done a triathlon and climbed mountains. She swam 20 kilometres to raise $3000 for Breast Cancer Trials. She does surf boat rowing, which was "so out of my comfort zone". "I'd always been a bit shy, or not one to put myself out there. Now I don't care, whatever, judge away." Nonetheless, she had "always had a very positive mindset". "Some people give up and think 'poor me'. I've always been quite strong-minded. That helped massively." The NRLW Magic Round, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, features six NRLW games. Karen Price, CEO of Breast Cancer Trials, said "we want to raise awareness of how clinical trials can help people". "Women participating in our clinical trials today, and those diagnosed in the future, will benefit from advances made possible by our work." They focus on survival rates, improving treatments and preventing breast cancer in people who have the highest risk. Safely reducing the amount of treatment and preventing cancer from returning were other aims. "Our goals are strongly aligned to improvements in women's health, including participation in sport." Visit
The Advertiser
01-08-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'It's huge': all you need to know about Newcastle's Magic weekend
NRLW Magic Round is here and Newcastle is host to the historic occasion. Novocastrians love an event, and are unlikely to let a few forecast drops of rain - or even an absolute deluge - get in the way of filling the stands at McDonald Jones Stadium for two jam-packed days of women's rugby league action. Actually, not just any action, but the best in the world with a host of the game's superstars, many locally grown, on show. We've broken down why this weekend is huge not only for the city but also for women's rugby league, which has been going from strength to strength since the inception of the NRLW in 2018. Magic Round features all six NRL games at one venue - McDonald Jones Stadium - across Saturday and Sunday The concept started in England in 2007 as a way to promote the sport. It was adopted by the NRL in 2019 and has been staged annually in Brisbane to huge attendance ever since. It has a party, carnival-type atmosphere which extends beyond the games and venue. This is the first time the women's game has also been showcased on the same platform. All round-five NRLW exchanges will unfold in Newcastle. On Saturday, Gold Coast Titans play newcomers Canterbury (12.15pm), defending premiers and unbeaten leaders the Sydney Roosters battle Wests Tigers (2.15pm) and Brisbane face off with Cronulla (4.15pm). On Sunday, the Knights, who are on a three-game winning run, host the winless Canberra Raiders (1.45pm) in a match bookended by North Queensland's exchange with New Zealand Warriors (11.50am) and Parramatta's showdown with St George Illawarra (3.45pm). Novocastrians are proven die-hard sporting fans. Give us an event, and we'll be there. A then women's rugby league crowd record of 25,782 braved hideous, rain-soaked conditions when State of Origin came to the city last year. That strong turnout, and the regular home support shown to the Knights' NRLW side, helped secure this year's Origin finale and the first Magic Round. As part of a funding agreement with the NSW government, Magic Round will be held in regional NSW for the next three years. Newcastle is first cab off the rank, but if it is well attended, officials are understood to be open to returning next year. "We're hoping to hit the 10,000 mark each day," McDonald Jones Stadium venue manager Dean Mantle said on Friday. "That's our aim. Ticket sales are well and truly on track for that. We're still selling tickets, despite the weather. "People are still ready to come and it's a true testament to the support the people of the Hunter, the people of Newcastle have for the women's game of rugby league ... we've got tickets from as low as $10." The NRLW has exploded from four teams in 2018 to 12 this year, played across an 11-round format with a top-six finals series. Having a dedicated Magic Round to showcase the talent is another important step in the evolution of the women's game. While their male counterparts are full-time athletes, some on multimillion-dollar contracts, most NRLW players juggle their elite sporting commitments with full-time jobs. Home-grown Knights Yasmin Clydsdale and Olivia Higgins - both NSW and Australian representatives - are high school teachers in the local community. Representing your state and country sometimes means taking leave without pay from your other job, and having an understanding boss. The minimum wage for an NRLW player in 2023 was $30,000. This year it is $41,800, increasing to $50,600 by 2027. Both Clydsdale and Higgins were part of the first women's three-match Origin series last year and when NRL took women's footy to Las Vegas this year for the Jillaroos' clash with England. Magic Round is another milestone moment in the evolution of the women's game, and both are thrilled it's in their home town. "It's awesome that Newcastle gets to host the first-ever Magic Round," Higgins said. "I know it's supposed to rain but I think the Newy crowd will still get behind the teams. There will be some quality footy played, so I'm really excited to be part of that this weekend. "We have definitely spoken about Magic Round and being able to showcase some rugby league for our community, but I know there are plenty of other girls in other teams who are looking forward to coming to Newy because they know how much the crowd get behind the girls' game." The enormity of having the inaugural NRLW Magic Round in the city is not lost on Newcastle Rugby League general manager Adam Devcich. Giving young girls and women access to such events can help continue to grow the game at grassroots level. This year, Hunter Junior Rugby League (HJRL) female participation has risen by 39.79 per cent to 1588 girls playing in competitions from under fives through to under 18s. Last year, the Central Charlestown under-six Sparkles made history as the first all-girls mini team in HJRL. "The old adage is, you can't be what you can't see, and if we have an NRLW Magic Round front and centre in Newcastle, all of the girls and young women can see that this is something that they can aspire to," Devcich said. Higgins also acknowledged the impact accessibility to the game's stars can have on the growing number of girls and women taking up the sport. "There's such a haven here in Newcastle with young girls playing, but even in places like Mid North Coast," Higgins said. "I hope that those girls come and have a look at some of the talent because it's so exciting to have every club come together, and I know that the NRLW girls will stick around after and talk to the fans. "It's huge for the area, but it's huge for the game as well, and I think it will just keep building every year and hopefully Newy get to host it from hereon out." In conjunction with Magic Round, 60 aspiring NRLW players have been invited to Newcastle to be put through their paces across two days in a combine-style assessment. They will include former Matildas star Larissa Crummer, who has produced some eye-catching performances this year for Sunshine Coast in Queensland Women's Premiership. Well, for one, it's outstanding entertainment. The women's game has won fans over with its raw, no-nonsense and highly skilful style. Two, it's cheap as chips, well as cheap as chips used to be. Six games, two days and all for just $24. Or just $5 more if you're not a ticketed club member. And kids come free with a paying adult. No other professional sport can be watched live for that sort of money. Three, you can help support a good cause while you're there. Newcastle-based Breast Cancer Trials is the official match day charity partner for day one of the Magic Round. A number of generous corporate partners will match community donations throughout the weekend. Steeden have also produced a limited number of branded rugby league balls that have been signed by NRLW players and can be bid on as part of fundraising efforts. Four, Bluey will be in town. That's right, everyone's favourite blue heeler, and her sister Bingo, will be putting on live shows among a range of activities for the kids in an interactive precinct. Five, remember the old days when you could run onto the field after sporting events? Well, on Sunday afternoon, following the final match of Magic Round, that's exactly what all ticket-holders can do. Need we say more. The world's best rugby league players will be on show and there are sure to be plenty of stand-out performances. Here are some to keep an eye on: Isabelle Kelly (Roosters) Position: Centre Age: 28 NRLW games: 47 The Roosters captain has played NRLW since it began and is one of the most experienced competitors in the game. The NSW and Australian centre, who is leading the Dally M leaderboard after four rounds, has an incredible career strike rate of 20 tries in 47 appearances. This year, Kelly is averaging a whopping 227 run metres, has made nine line breaks, had 24 tackle breaks, scored three tries and assisted two. Jesse Southwell (Knights) Position: Halfback Age: 20 NRLW games: 31 At just 20 years of age, if the Kotara Bears junior isn't already arguably the best halfback in the game, she will be soon. Southwell guided the Knights to back-to-back premierships in 2022 and 2023, and steered NSW to State of Origin series glory this year. Newcastle coach Ben Jeffries reckoned it was the best he had seen his young No.7 play, and Southwell has taken that form into NRLW. After four rounds, she had produced four try assists, three line break assists and is on a league-record run of 20 successful conversions. Tamika Upton (Broncos) Position: Fullback Age: 28 NRLW games: 41 An absolute superstar of the game, Upton was key to Newcastle's two premiership wins, being named player of the grand final in both. She was the 2023 Dally M Medallist and is one of the most lethal players going around. Upton has scored 31 tries across a 41-game NRLW career. This year, she has bagged five tries in four appearances, had four try assists and made seven line breaks. Returning to play at Newcastle for the first time since leaving the Knights and re-joining the Broncos. Michaela Brake (Warriors) Position: Winger Age: 29 NRLW games: 4 New to rugby league but a rugby sevens legend, the lightning-quick back has an impressive sporting dossier. She is a two-time World Rugby Sevens player of the year, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and two-time OIympic Games gold medallist. A tryscoring machine in rugby sevens, the Kiwi is also showing lethal qualities in her new code. In four NRLW appearances, Crake has scored two tries, had a league-high 29 tackle breaks, made four line breaks and is averaging 133 run metres per game. Ellie Johnston (Sharks) Position: Prop Age: 24 NRLW games: 39 A power-packed prop who has established herself as one of the most impactful forwards in the game. Helped lead the Sharks to last year's grand final and earned herself a NSW jersey in the process. She has clocked 193.4 post contact metres this year, is averaging 12 hit-ups a game, has made eight tackle breaks and produced six offloads. Can she be stopped? Simaima Taufa (Raiders) Position: Lock Age: 31 NRLW appearances: 42 An absolute workhorse and leader of the game, Taufa is a NSW and Australian representative and was the 2023 Dally M captain of the year. The Canberra captain is built for the grind, not afraid to do the hard stuff and leads by example. She is a tackling machine, tackling at almost 94 per cent efficiency and in the league's top-five players for tackles made this season. NRLW Magic Round is here and Newcastle is host to the historic occasion. Novocastrians love an event, and are unlikely to let a few forecast drops of rain - or even an absolute deluge - get in the way of filling the stands at McDonald Jones Stadium for two jam-packed days of women's rugby league action. Actually, not just any action, but the best in the world with a host of the game's superstars, many locally grown, on show. We've broken down why this weekend is huge not only for the city but also for women's rugby league, which has been going from strength to strength since the inception of the NRLW in 2018. Magic Round features all six NRL games at one venue - McDonald Jones Stadium - across Saturday and Sunday The concept started in England in 2007 as a way to promote the sport. It was adopted by the NRL in 2019 and has been staged annually in Brisbane to huge attendance ever since. It has a party, carnival-type atmosphere which extends beyond the games and venue. This is the first time the women's game has also been showcased on the same platform. All round-five NRLW exchanges will unfold in Newcastle. On Saturday, Gold Coast Titans play newcomers Canterbury (12.15pm), defending premiers and unbeaten leaders the Sydney Roosters battle Wests Tigers (2.15pm) and Brisbane face off with Cronulla (4.15pm). On Sunday, the Knights, who are on a three-game winning run, host the winless Canberra Raiders (1.45pm) in a match bookended by North Queensland's exchange with New Zealand Warriors (11.50am) and Parramatta's showdown with St George Illawarra (3.45pm). Novocastrians are proven die-hard sporting fans. Give us an event, and we'll be there. A then women's rugby league crowd record of 25,782 braved hideous, rain-soaked conditions when State of Origin came to the city last year. That strong turnout, and the regular home support shown to the Knights' NRLW side, helped secure this year's Origin finale and the first Magic Round. As part of a funding agreement with the NSW government, Magic Round will be held in regional NSW for the next three years. Newcastle is first cab off the rank, but if it is well attended, officials are understood to be open to returning next year. "We're hoping to hit the 10,000 mark each day," McDonald Jones Stadium venue manager Dean Mantle said on Friday. "That's our aim. Ticket sales are well and truly on track for that. We're still selling tickets, despite the weather. "People are still ready to come and it's a true testament to the support the people of the Hunter, the people of Newcastle have for the women's game of rugby league ... we've got tickets from as low as $10." The NRLW has exploded from four teams in 2018 to 12 this year, played across an 11-round format with a top-six finals series. Having a dedicated Magic Round to showcase the talent is another important step in the evolution of the women's game. While their male counterparts are full-time athletes, some on multimillion-dollar contracts, most NRLW players juggle their elite sporting commitments with full-time jobs. Home-grown Knights Yasmin Clydsdale and Olivia Higgins - both NSW and Australian representatives - are high school teachers in the local community. Representing your state and country sometimes means taking leave without pay from your other job, and having an understanding boss. The minimum wage for an NRLW player in 2023 was $30,000. This year it is $41,800, increasing to $50,600 by 2027. Both Clydsdale and Higgins were part of the first women's three-match Origin series last year and when NRL took women's footy to Las Vegas this year for the Jillaroos' clash with England. Magic Round is another milestone moment in the evolution of the women's game, and both are thrilled it's in their home town. "It's awesome that Newcastle gets to host the first-ever Magic Round," Higgins said. "I know it's supposed to rain but I think the Newy crowd will still get behind the teams. There will be some quality footy played, so I'm really excited to be part of that this weekend. "We have definitely spoken about Magic Round and being able to showcase some rugby league for our community, but I know there are plenty of other girls in other teams who are looking forward to coming to Newy because they know how much the crowd get behind the girls' game." The enormity of having the inaugural NRLW Magic Round in the city is not lost on Newcastle Rugby League general manager Adam Devcich. Giving young girls and women access to such events can help continue to grow the game at grassroots level. This year, Hunter Junior Rugby League (HJRL) female participation has risen by 39.79 per cent to 1588 girls playing in competitions from under fives through to under 18s. Last year, the Central Charlestown under-six Sparkles made history as the first all-girls mini team in HJRL. "The old adage is, you can't be what you can't see, and if we have an NRLW Magic Round front and centre in Newcastle, all of the girls and young women can see that this is something that they can aspire to," Devcich said. Higgins also acknowledged the impact accessibility to the game's stars can have on the growing number of girls and women taking up the sport. "There's such a haven here in Newcastle with young girls playing, but even in places like Mid North Coast," Higgins said. "I hope that those girls come and have a look at some of the talent because it's so exciting to have every club come together, and I know that the NRLW girls will stick around after and talk to the fans. "It's huge for the area, but it's huge for the game as well, and I think it will just keep building every year and hopefully Newy get to host it from hereon out." In conjunction with Magic Round, 60 aspiring NRLW players have been invited to Newcastle to be put through their paces across two days in a combine-style assessment. They will include former Matildas star Larissa Crummer, who has produced some eye-catching performances this year for Sunshine Coast in Queensland Women's Premiership. Well, for one, it's outstanding entertainment. The women's game has won fans over with its raw, no-nonsense and highly skilful style. Two, it's cheap as chips, well as cheap as chips used to be. Six games, two days and all for just $24. Or just $5 more if you're not a ticketed club member. And kids come free with a paying adult. No other professional sport can be watched live for that sort of money. Three, you can help support a good cause while you're there. Newcastle-based Breast Cancer Trials is the official match day charity partner for day one of the Magic Round. A number of generous corporate partners will match community donations throughout the weekend. Steeden have also produced a limited number of branded rugby league balls that have been signed by NRLW players and can be bid on as part of fundraising efforts. Four, Bluey will be in town. That's right, everyone's favourite blue heeler, and her sister Bingo, will be putting on live shows among a range of activities for the kids in an interactive precinct. Five, remember the old days when you could run onto the field after sporting events? Well, on Sunday afternoon, following the final match of Magic Round, that's exactly what all ticket-holders can do. Need we say more. The world's best rugby league players will be on show and there are sure to be plenty of stand-out performances. Here are some to keep an eye on: Isabelle Kelly (Roosters) Position: Centre Age: 28 NRLW games: 47 The Roosters captain has played NRLW since it began and is one of the most experienced competitors in the game. The NSW and Australian centre, who is leading the Dally M leaderboard after four rounds, has an incredible career strike rate of 20 tries in 47 appearances. This year, Kelly is averaging a whopping 227 run metres, has made nine line breaks, had 24 tackle breaks, scored three tries and assisted two. Jesse Southwell (Knights) Position: Halfback Age: 20 NRLW games: 31 At just 20 years of age, if the Kotara Bears junior isn't already arguably the best halfback in the game, she will be soon. Southwell guided the Knights to back-to-back premierships in 2022 and 2023, and steered NSW to State of Origin series glory this year. Newcastle coach Ben Jeffries reckoned it was the best he had seen his young No.7 play, and Southwell has taken that form into NRLW. After four rounds, she had produced four try assists, three line break assists and is on a league-record run of 20 successful conversions. Tamika Upton (Broncos) Position: Fullback Age: 28 NRLW games: 41 An absolute superstar of the game, Upton was key to Newcastle's two premiership wins, being named player of the grand final in both. She was the 2023 Dally M Medallist and is one of the most lethal players going around. Upton has scored 31 tries across a 41-game NRLW career. This year, she has bagged five tries in four appearances, had four try assists and made seven line breaks. Returning to play at Newcastle for the first time since leaving the Knights and re-joining the Broncos. Michaela Brake (Warriors) Position: Winger Age: 29 NRLW games: 4 New to rugby league but a rugby sevens legend, the lightning-quick back has an impressive sporting dossier. She is a two-time World Rugby Sevens player of the year, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and two-time OIympic Games gold medallist. A tryscoring machine in rugby sevens, the Kiwi is also showing lethal qualities in her new code. In four NRLW appearances, Crake has scored two tries, had a league-high 29 tackle breaks, made four line breaks and is averaging 133 run metres per game. Ellie Johnston (Sharks) Position: Prop Age: 24 NRLW games: 39 A power-packed prop who has established herself as one of the most impactful forwards in the game. Helped lead the Sharks to last year's grand final and earned herself a NSW jersey in the process. She has clocked 193.4 post contact metres this year, is averaging 12 hit-ups a game, has made eight tackle breaks and produced six offloads. Can she be stopped? Simaima Taufa (Raiders) Position: Lock Age: 31 NRLW appearances: 42 An absolute workhorse and leader of the game, Taufa is a NSW and Australian representative and was the 2023 Dally M captain of the year. The Canberra captain is built for the grind, not afraid to do the hard stuff and leads by example. She is a tackling machine, tackling at almost 94 per cent efficiency and in the league's top-five players for tackles made this season. NRLW Magic Round is here and Newcastle is host to the historic occasion. Novocastrians love an event, and are unlikely to let a few forecast drops of rain - or even an absolute deluge - get in the way of filling the stands at McDonald Jones Stadium for two jam-packed days of women's rugby league action. Actually, not just any action, but the best in the world with a host of the game's superstars, many locally grown, on show. We've broken down why this weekend is huge not only for the city but also for women's rugby league, which has been going from strength to strength since the inception of the NRLW in 2018. Magic Round features all six NRL games at one venue - McDonald Jones Stadium - across Saturday and Sunday The concept started in England in 2007 as a way to promote the sport. It was adopted by the NRL in 2019 and has been staged annually in Brisbane to huge attendance ever since. It has a party, carnival-type atmosphere which extends beyond the games and venue. This is the first time the women's game has also been showcased on the same platform. All round-five NRLW exchanges will unfold in Newcastle. On Saturday, Gold Coast Titans play newcomers Canterbury (12.15pm), defending premiers and unbeaten leaders the Sydney Roosters battle Wests Tigers (2.15pm) and Brisbane face off with Cronulla (4.15pm). On Sunday, the Knights, who are on a three-game winning run, host the winless Canberra Raiders (1.45pm) in a match bookended by North Queensland's exchange with New Zealand Warriors (11.50am) and Parramatta's showdown with St George Illawarra (3.45pm). Novocastrians are proven die-hard sporting fans. Give us an event, and we'll be there. A then women's rugby league crowd record of 25,782 braved hideous, rain-soaked conditions when State of Origin came to the city last year. That strong turnout, and the regular home support shown to the Knights' NRLW side, helped secure this year's Origin finale and the first Magic Round. As part of a funding agreement with the NSW government, Magic Round will be held in regional NSW for the next three years. Newcastle is first cab off the rank, but if it is well attended, officials are understood to be open to returning next year. "We're hoping to hit the 10,000 mark each day," McDonald Jones Stadium venue manager Dean Mantle said on Friday. "That's our aim. Ticket sales are well and truly on track for that. We're still selling tickets, despite the weather. "People are still ready to come and it's a true testament to the support the people of the Hunter, the people of Newcastle have for the women's game of rugby league ... we've got tickets from as low as $10." The NRLW has exploded from four teams in 2018 to 12 this year, played across an 11-round format with a top-six finals series. Having a dedicated Magic Round to showcase the talent is another important step in the evolution of the women's game. While their male counterparts are full-time athletes, some on multimillion-dollar contracts, most NRLW players juggle their elite sporting commitments with full-time jobs. Home-grown Knights Yasmin Clydsdale and Olivia Higgins - both NSW and Australian representatives - are high school teachers in the local community. Representing your state and country sometimes means taking leave without pay from your other job, and having an understanding boss. The minimum wage for an NRLW player in 2023 was $30,000. This year it is $41,800, increasing to $50,600 by 2027. Both Clydsdale and Higgins were part of the first women's three-match Origin series last year and when NRL took women's footy to Las Vegas this year for the Jillaroos' clash with England. Magic Round is another milestone moment in the evolution of the women's game, and both are thrilled it's in their home town. "It's awesome that Newcastle gets to host the first-ever Magic Round," Higgins said. "I know it's supposed to rain but I think the Newy crowd will still get behind the teams. There will be some quality footy played, so I'm really excited to be part of that this weekend. "We have definitely spoken about Magic Round and being able to showcase some rugby league for our community, but I know there are plenty of other girls in other teams who are looking forward to coming to Newy because they know how much the crowd get behind the girls' game." The enormity of having the inaugural NRLW Magic Round in the city is not lost on Newcastle Rugby League general manager Adam Devcich. Giving young girls and women access to such events can help continue to grow the game at grassroots level. This year, Hunter Junior Rugby League (HJRL) female participation has risen by 39.79 per cent to 1588 girls playing in competitions from under fives through to under 18s. Last year, the Central Charlestown under-six Sparkles made history as the first all-girls mini team in HJRL. "The old adage is, you can't be what you can't see, and if we have an NRLW Magic Round front and centre in Newcastle, all of the girls and young women can see that this is something that they can aspire to," Devcich said. Higgins also acknowledged the impact accessibility to the game's stars can have on the growing number of girls and women taking up the sport. "There's such a haven here in Newcastle with young girls playing, but even in places like Mid North Coast," Higgins said. "I hope that those girls come and have a look at some of the talent because it's so exciting to have every club come together, and I know that the NRLW girls will stick around after and talk to the fans. "It's huge for the area, but it's huge for the game as well, and I think it will just keep building every year and hopefully Newy get to host it from hereon out." In conjunction with Magic Round, 60 aspiring NRLW players have been invited to Newcastle to be put through their paces across two days in a combine-style assessment. They will include former Matildas star Larissa Crummer, who has produced some eye-catching performances this year for Sunshine Coast in Queensland Women's Premiership. Well, for one, it's outstanding entertainment. The women's game has won fans over with its raw, no-nonsense and highly skilful style. Two, it's cheap as chips, well as cheap as chips used to be. Six games, two days and all for just $24. Or just $5 more if you're not a ticketed club member. And kids come free with a paying adult. No other professional sport can be watched live for that sort of money. Three, you can help support a good cause while you're there. Newcastle-based Breast Cancer Trials is the official match day charity partner for day one of the Magic Round. A number of generous corporate partners will match community donations throughout the weekend. Steeden have also produced a limited number of branded rugby league balls that have been signed by NRLW players and can be bid on as part of fundraising efforts. Four, Bluey will be in town. That's right, everyone's favourite blue heeler, and her sister Bingo, will be putting on live shows among a range of activities for the kids in an interactive precinct. Five, remember the old days when you could run onto the field after sporting events? Well, on Sunday afternoon, following the final match of Magic Round, that's exactly what all ticket-holders can do. Need we say more. The world's best rugby league players will be on show and there are sure to be plenty of stand-out performances. Here are some to keep an eye on: Isabelle Kelly (Roosters) Position: Centre Age: 28 NRLW games: 47 The Roosters captain has played NRLW since it began and is one of the most experienced competitors in the game. The NSW and Australian centre, who is leading the Dally M leaderboard after four rounds, has an incredible career strike rate of 20 tries in 47 appearances. This year, Kelly is averaging a whopping 227 run metres, has made nine line breaks, had 24 tackle breaks, scored three tries and assisted two. Jesse Southwell (Knights) Position: Halfback Age: 20 NRLW games: 31 At just 20 years of age, if the Kotara Bears junior isn't already arguably the best halfback in the game, she will be soon. Southwell guided the Knights to back-to-back premierships in 2022 and 2023, and steered NSW to State of Origin series glory this year. Newcastle coach Ben Jeffries reckoned it was the best he had seen his young No.7 play, and Southwell has taken that form into NRLW. After four rounds, she had produced four try assists, three line break assists and is on a league-record run of 20 successful conversions. Tamika Upton (Broncos) Position: Fullback Age: 28 NRLW games: 41 An absolute superstar of the game, Upton was key to Newcastle's two premiership wins, being named player of the grand final in both. She was the 2023 Dally M Medallist and is one of the most lethal players going around. Upton has scored 31 tries across a 41-game NRLW career. This year, she has bagged five tries in four appearances, had four try assists and made seven line breaks. Returning to play at Newcastle for the first time since leaving the Knights and re-joining the Broncos. Michaela Brake (Warriors) Position: Winger Age: 29 NRLW games: 4 New to rugby league but a rugby sevens legend, the lightning-quick back has an impressive sporting dossier. She is a two-time World Rugby Sevens player of the year, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and two-time OIympic Games gold medallist. A tryscoring machine in rugby sevens, the Kiwi is also showing lethal qualities in her new code. In four NRLW appearances, Crake has scored two tries, had a league-high 29 tackle breaks, made four line breaks and is averaging 133 run metres per game. Ellie Johnston (Sharks) Position: Prop Age: 24 NRLW games: 39 A power-packed prop who has established herself as one of the most impactful forwards in the game. Helped lead the Sharks to last year's grand final and earned herself a NSW jersey in the process. She has clocked 193.4 post contact metres this year, is averaging 12 hit-ups a game, has made eight tackle breaks and produced six offloads. Can she be stopped? Simaima Taufa (Raiders) Position: Lock Age: 31 NRLW appearances: 42 An absolute workhorse and leader of the game, Taufa is a NSW and Australian representative and was the 2023 Dally M captain of the year. The Canberra captain is built for the grind, not afraid to do the hard stuff and leads by example. She is a tackling machine, tackling at almost 94 per cent efficiency and in the league's top-five players for tackles made this season. NRLW Magic Round is here and Newcastle is host to the historic occasion. Novocastrians love an event, and are unlikely to let a few forecast drops of rain - or even an absolute deluge - get in the way of filling the stands at McDonald Jones Stadium for two jam-packed days of women's rugby league action. Actually, not just any action, but the best in the world with a host of the game's superstars, many locally grown, on show. We've broken down why this weekend is huge not only for the city but also for women's rugby league, which has been going from strength to strength since the inception of the NRLW in 2018. Magic Round features all six NRL games at one venue - McDonald Jones Stadium - across Saturday and Sunday The concept started in England in 2007 as a way to promote the sport. It was adopted by the NRL in 2019 and has been staged annually in Brisbane to huge attendance ever since. It has a party, carnival-type atmosphere which extends beyond the games and venue. This is the first time the women's game has also been showcased on the same platform. All round-five NRLW exchanges will unfold in Newcastle. On Saturday, Gold Coast Titans play newcomers Canterbury (12.15pm), defending premiers and unbeaten leaders the Sydney Roosters battle Wests Tigers (2.15pm) and Brisbane face off with Cronulla (4.15pm). On Sunday, the Knights, who are on a three-game winning run, host the winless Canberra Raiders (1.45pm) in a match bookended by North Queensland's exchange with New Zealand Warriors (11.50am) and Parramatta's showdown with St George Illawarra (3.45pm). Novocastrians are proven die-hard sporting fans. Give us an event, and we'll be there. A then women's rugby league crowd record of 25,782 braved hideous, rain-soaked conditions when State of Origin came to the city last year. That strong turnout, and the regular home support shown to the Knights' NRLW side, helped secure this year's Origin finale and the first Magic Round. As part of a funding agreement with the NSW government, Magic Round will be held in regional NSW for the next three years. Newcastle is first cab off the rank, but if it is well attended, officials are understood to be open to returning next year. "We're hoping to hit the 10,000 mark each day," McDonald Jones Stadium venue manager Dean Mantle said on Friday. "That's our aim. Ticket sales are well and truly on track for that. We're still selling tickets, despite the weather. "People are still ready to come and it's a true testament to the support the people of the Hunter, the people of Newcastle have for the women's game of rugby league ... we've got tickets from as low as $10." The NRLW has exploded from four teams in 2018 to 12 this year, played across an 11-round format with a top-six finals series. Having a dedicated Magic Round to showcase the talent is another important step in the evolution of the women's game. While their male counterparts are full-time athletes, some on multimillion-dollar contracts, most NRLW players juggle their elite sporting commitments with full-time jobs. Home-grown Knights Yasmin Clydsdale and Olivia Higgins - both NSW and Australian representatives - are high school teachers in the local community. Representing your state and country sometimes means taking leave without pay from your other job, and having an understanding boss. The minimum wage for an NRLW player in 2023 was $30,000. This year it is $41,800, increasing to $50,600 by 2027. Both Clydsdale and Higgins were part of the first women's three-match Origin series last year and when NRL took women's footy to Las Vegas this year for the Jillaroos' clash with England. Magic Round is another milestone moment in the evolution of the women's game, and both are thrilled it's in their home town. "It's awesome that Newcastle gets to host the first-ever Magic Round," Higgins said. "I know it's supposed to rain but I think the Newy crowd will still get behind the teams. There will be some quality footy played, so I'm really excited to be part of that this weekend. "We have definitely spoken about Magic Round and being able to showcase some rugby league for our community, but I know there are plenty of other girls in other teams who are looking forward to coming to Newy because they know how much the crowd get behind the girls' game." The enormity of having the inaugural NRLW Magic Round in the city is not lost on Newcastle Rugby League general manager Adam Devcich. Giving young girls and women access to such events can help continue to grow the game at grassroots level. This year, Hunter Junior Rugby League (HJRL) female participation has risen by 39.79 per cent to 1588 girls playing in competitions from under fives through to under 18s. Last year, the Central Charlestown under-six Sparkles made history as the first all-girls mini team in HJRL. "The old adage is, you can't be what you can't see, and if we have an NRLW Magic Round front and centre in Newcastle, all of the girls and young women can see that this is something that they can aspire to," Devcich said. Higgins also acknowledged the impact accessibility to the game's stars can have on the growing number of girls and women taking up the sport. "There's such a haven here in Newcastle with young girls playing, but even in places like Mid North Coast," Higgins said. "I hope that those girls come and have a look at some of the talent because it's so exciting to have every club come together, and I know that the NRLW girls will stick around after and talk to the fans. "It's huge for the area, but it's huge for the game as well, and I think it will just keep building every year and hopefully Newy get to host it from hereon out." In conjunction with Magic Round, 60 aspiring NRLW players have been invited to Newcastle to be put through their paces across two days in a combine-style assessment. They will include former Matildas star Larissa Crummer, who has produced some eye-catching performances this year for Sunshine Coast in Queensland Women's Premiership. Well, for one, it's outstanding entertainment. The women's game has won fans over with its raw, no-nonsense and highly skilful style. Two, it's cheap as chips, well as cheap as chips used to be. Six games, two days and all for just $24. Or just $5 more if you're not a ticketed club member. And kids come free with a paying adult. No other professional sport can be watched live for that sort of money. Three, you can help support a good cause while you're there. Newcastle-based Breast Cancer Trials is the official match day charity partner for day one of the Magic Round. A number of generous corporate partners will match community donations throughout the weekend. Steeden have also produced a limited number of branded rugby league balls that have been signed by NRLW players and can be bid on as part of fundraising efforts. Four, Bluey will be in town. That's right, everyone's favourite blue heeler, and her sister Bingo, will be putting on live shows among a range of activities for the kids in an interactive precinct. Five, remember the old days when you could run onto the field after sporting events? Well, on Sunday afternoon, following the final match of Magic Round, that's exactly what all ticket-holders can do. Need we say more. The world's best rugby league players will be on show and there are sure to be plenty of stand-out performances. Here are some to keep an eye on: Isabelle Kelly (Roosters) Position: Centre Age: 28 NRLW games: 47 The Roosters captain has played NRLW since it began and is one of the most experienced competitors in the game. The NSW and Australian centre, who is leading the Dally M leaderboard after four rounds, has an incredible career strike rate of 20 tries in 47 appearances. This year, Kelly is averaging a whopping 227 run metres, has made nine line breaks, had 24 tackle breaks, scored three tries and assisted two. Jesse Southwell (Knights) Position: Halfback Age: 20 NRLW games: 31 At just 20 years of age, if the Kotara Bears junior isn't already arguably the best halfback in the game, she will be soon. Southwell guided the Knights to back-to-back premierships in 2022 and 2023, and steered NSW to State of Origin series glory this year. Newcastle coach Ben Jeffries reckoned it was the best he had seen his young No.7 play, and Southwell has taken that form into NRLW. After four rounds, she had produced four try assists, three line break assists and is on a league-record run of 20 successful conversions. Tamika Upton (Broncos) Position: Fullback Age: 28 NRLW games: 41 An absolute superstar of the game, Upton was key to Newcastle's two premiership wins, being named player of the grand final in both. She was the 2023 Dally M Medallist and is one of the most lethal players going around. Upton has scored 31 tries across a 41-game NRLW career. This year, she has bagged five tries in four appearances, had four try assists and made seven line breaks. Returning to play at Newcastle for the first time since leaving the Knights and re-joining the Broncos. Michaela Brake (Warriors) Position: Winger Age: 29 NRLW games: 4 New to rugby league but a rugby sevens legend, the lightning-quick back has an impressive sporting dossier. She is a two-time World Rugby Sevens player of the year, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and two-time OIympic Games gold medallist. A tryscoring machine in rugby sevens, the Kiwi is also showing lethal qualities in her new code. In four NRLW appearances, Crake has scored two tries, had a league-high 29 tackle breaks, made four line breaks and is averaging 133 run metres per game. Ellie Johnston (Sharks) Position: Prop Age: 24 NRLW games: 39 A power-packed prop who has established herself as one of the most impactful forwards in the game. Helped lead the Sharks to last year's grand final and earned herself a NSW jersey in the process. She has clocked 193.4 post contact metres this year, is averaging 12 hit-ups a game, has made eight tackle breaks and produced six offloads. Can she be stopped? Simaima Taufa (Raiders) Position: Lock Age: 31 NRLW appearances: 42 An absolute workhorse and leader of the game, Taufa is a NSW and Australian representative and was the 2023 Dally M captain of the year. The Canberra captain is built for the grind, not afraid to do the hard stuff and leads by example. She is a tackling machine, tackling at almost 94 per cent efficiency and in the league's top-five players for tackles made this season.
The Advertiser
01-08-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
We're hosting the women, but will we ever land a men's Magic Round?
Sports and tourism leaders believe Newcastle should "go big" and position itself to take the NRL's Magic Round away from Brisbane, spruiking the Hunter's credentials ahead of the inaugural women's event this weekend. McDonald Jones Stadium in Broadmeadow is hosting the first NRLW Magic Round across Saturday and Sunday, where all six games will be played at the one venue. The women's round has been launched after the success of the men's event which has been held annually in Brisbane since 2019. The forecast rain might put a dampener on crowds at the women's version, but that hasn't diminished a view that Newcastle would be more than capable of hosting the men's Magic Round too. "We should strive for any event, as we have in relation to this one and as we have done with the events we've seen so successful [in the past]. You have to go big for the future," former rugby league administrator and Hunter resident, John Quayle, told the Newcastle Herald. "It doesn't happen just overnight, because cities now, in every event, are going to bid for the long term. They want it for their city. They don't want one-offs. "It's like the Grand Prix or Supercars, they are international events and with exposure sent around the world that you can't buy." As it stands, Brisbane will host the men's Magic Round until at least 2027, while a five-year extension has been mooted through to the 2032 Olympics. The Queensland government's strong financial support has kept the event in the Sunshine State since its inception. But whether its popularity ultimately wanes in Brisbane and the NRL opts to move it, remains to be seen. The NRL Nines suffered that fate after several years in Auckland before being revived and relocated to Perth in 2020. It hasn't been held since as the sport has generally moved away from the format at the elite level. Newcastle's track record in terms of hosting major sporting events speaks for itself. In the past year alone, the city has hosted the Wallabies, Wallaroos, Matildas and Women's State of Origin. The national women's netball and basketball teams have also previously played in the city, drawing capacity crowds. In a rugby league heartland, Knights games are well attended even when the team is struggling. But Magic Round is also about drawing visitors to justify government investment. Brisbane's Magic Round sold out this year, essentially attracting 150,000 fans across three days. McDonald Jones Stadium holds close to 30,000, which would likely mean more expensive tickets if it was to move to Newcastle, to draw similar revenue. One concern with drawing 30,000 people each day would be accommodation. But Will Creedon, a long-time Hunter accommodation provider and former local tourism chief, said the city had grown its short-term stay capacity and it wouldn't be an issue. "Why not?" Creedon said of hosting the men's event. "There's about 16,500 bedrooms across the region. That's not considering there are opportunities to bring people in by bus, or via train, from outlying areas. "Is there enough supply for each category of accommodation? That's an interesting question, but we'd be close to it I suspect. "But if we knew it was coming, and it was here every so often - I think we could do a Magic Round every five years - it would act as a stimuli to think about how we're going to fill the four years in between to drive innovation of inventory around transport and aviation." Mr Creedon, who now lives in Brisbane, believes the men's Magic Round will ultimately move to new locations. "Brisbane were very clever in what they've done, and the NRL ... do I think it will move? Absolutely," he said. "I actually think it will go to Asia and other places. There will be a bidding war, because the economic influence it has is significant, and the Hunter needs to be thinking like that. "Not just with the NRL, but every other code as well." Part of the 'magic' of Magic Round is the proximity of hospitality businesses to the venue. Newcastle's popular Beaumont Street is a five-minute drive, or 30-minute walk, from the stadium. The city centre is less than 10 minutes drive away. A train line to both is a mere 10-minute walk. "Newcastle is a great city for this sort of event because the CBD area is compact with lots of dining and entertainment options, spectators can access the stadium easily with public transport and we have so many other amazing attractions within a short distance to fill out visitors' itineraries," Business Hunter chief Bob Hawes said. "We've also got an airport that intra-and-interstate visitors can fly right into. "The economic benefits from events of this calibre flow onto a diverse range of businesses including accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants, pubs and clubs, but also service providers like caterers, cleaners, security companies, uber and taxi drivers and merchandise sellers. "It also projects the city and region onto television screens around the country." Other stakeholders the Herald spoke to raised the idea of Newcastle hosting a 'mini' men's Magic Round or a combined men's and women's version in the short term, if the men's event gets locked into Brisbane into the 2030s. That could potentially entail a one-day NRL triple-header on a Saturday, if other clubs were willing to sacrifice home games to bring matches here. Or perhaps a two-day event combining men's and women's fixtures. Newcastle Tourism Industry Group chair Dominic May said any large-scale sporting event that attracted people to the region for the first had flow-on benefits. "We've been very supportive of the partnership between Venues NSW and City of Newcastle to increase major events in the city, because across visitor-economy businesses ... what we often find is events are a big driver of people to the city and often for the very first time," May said. "People will often extend their stay pre-or-post major events, like this, and that's where the real value lies ... and we find they spread out right across the region. "Major events are also a big drawcard for repeat visitation. If a person has a great experience ... they're surprised by how much they enjoyed themselves ... they're likely to return for leisure purposes." The women's Magic Round could yet return to Newcastle next year given the NRL struck a deal with the NSW government for it to be held in 'regional NSW' for the three years. Depending on the level of interest, it could yet shift to places like Mudgee, Tamworth or Bathurst. Wollongong would be another alternative with a bigger stadium than the country towns. Securing the men's Magic Round would likely require significant government investment, like Queensland has funded. Sydney could shape as a competitor to Newcastle in attracting the event, but it has its own drawbacks and similar events like rugby sevens tournaments and the A-League's Unite Round have flopped in the state capital. A decent turnout at the inaugural women's Magic Round this weekend would only put another feather in Newcastle's sporting cap, and further its case to try and host the men's version. "Recently with the big international [sporting] events, we've seen it and the sports are recognising it," Quayle said. "The councillors, too, recognise how good it is for the region. "We are seeing this prominently over the last five years, with the concerts [the stadium hosts] as well, it doesn't take long over a number of days to match, if you're talking Brisbane, [a crowd] of 50,000. "But the administrators won't make the decision just on people, it's how the event will be, which for me, is always a big plus for Newcastle, is the support it's going to get." Hawes added: "Landing the NRLW Magic Round is a huge coup and snaring the men's version would add further to the Hunter's growing reputation as a high-quality host destination for national and international sporting events." Sports and tourism leaders believe Newcastle should "go big" and position itself to take the NRL's Magic Round away from Brisbane, spruiking the Hunter's credentials ahead of the inaugural women's event this weekend. McDonald Jones Stadium in Broadmeadow is hosting the first NRLW Magic Round across Saturday and Sunday, where all six games will be played at the one venue. The women's round has been launched after the success of the men's event which has been held annually in Brisbane since 2019. The forecast rain might put a dampener on crowds at the women's version, but that hasn't diminished a view that Newcastle would be more than capable of hosting the men's Magic Round too. "We should strive for any event, as we have in relation to this one and as we have done with the events we've seen so successful [in the past]. You have to go big for the future," former rugby league administrator and Hunter resident, John Quayle, told the Newcastle Herald. "It doesn't happen just overnight, because cities now, in every event, are going to bid for the long term. They want it for their city. They don't want one-offs. "It's like the Grand Prix or Supercars, they are international events and with exposure sent around the world that you can't buy." As it stands, Brisbane will host the men's Magic Round until at least 2027, while a five-year extension has been mooted through to the 2032 Olympics. The Queensland government's strong financial support has kept the event in the Sunshine State since its inception. But whether its popularity ultimately wanes in Brisbane and the NRL opts to move it, remains to be seen. The NRL Nines suffered that fate after several years in Auckland before being revived and relocated to Perth in 2020. It hasn't been held since as the sport has generally moved away from the format at the elite level. Newcastle's track record in terms of hosting major sporting events speaks for itself. In the past year alone, the city has hosted the Wallabies, Wallaroos, Matildas and Women's State of Origin. The national women's netball and basketball teams have also previously played in the city, drawing capacity crowds. In a rugby league heartland, Knights games are well attended even when the team is struggling. But Magic Round is also about drawing visitors to justify government investment. Brisbane's Magic Round sold out this year, essentially attracting 150,000 fans across three days. McDonald Jones Stadium holds close to 30,000, which would likely mean more expensive tickets if it was to move to Newcastle, to draw similar revenue. One concern with drawing 30,000 people each day would be accommodation. But Will Creedon, a long-time Hunter accommodation provider and former local tourism chief, said the city had grown its short-term stay capacity and it wouldn't be an issue. "Why not?" Creedon said of hosting the men's event. "There's about 16,500 bedrooms across the region. That's not considering there are opportunities to bring people in by bus, or via train, from outlying areas. "Is there enough supply for each category of accommodation? That's an interesting question, but we'd be close to it I suspect. "But if we knew it was coming, and it was here every so often - I think we could do a Magic Round every five years - it would act as a stimuli to think about how we're going to fill the four years in between to drive innovation of inventory around transport and aviation." Mr Creedon, who now lives in Brisbane, believes the men's Magic Round will ultimately move to new locations. "Brisbane were very clever in what they've done, and the NRL ... do I think it will move? Absolutely," he said. "I actually think it will go to Asia and other places. There will be a bidding war, because the economic influence it has is significant, and the Hunter needs to be thinking like that. "Not just with the NRL, but every other code as well." Part of the 'magic' of Magic Round is the proximity of hospitality businesses to the venue. Newcastle's popular Beaumont Street is a five-minute drive, or 30-minute walk, from the stadium. The city centre is less than 10 minutes drive away. A train line to both is a mere 10-minute walk. "Newcastle is a great city for this sort of event because the CBD area is compact with lots of dining and entertainment options, spectators can access the stadium easily with public transport and we have so many other amazing attractions within a short distance to fill out visitors' itineraries," Business Hunter chief Bob Hawes said. "We've also got an airport that intra-and-interstate visitors can fly right into. "The economic benefits from events of this calibre flow onto a diverse range of businesses including accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants, pubs and clubs, but also service providers like caterers, cleaners, security companies, uber and taxi drivers and merchandise sellers. "It also projects the city and region onto television screens around the country." Other stakeholders the Herald spoke to raised the idea of Newcastle hosting a 'mini' men's Magic Round or a combined men's and women's version in the short term, if the men's event gets locked into Brisbane into the 2030s. That could potentially entail a one-day NRL triple-header on a Saturday, if other clubs were willing to sacrifice home games to bring matches here. Or perhaps a two-day event combining men's and women's fixtures. Newcastle Tourism Industry Group chair Dominic May said any large-scale sporting event that attracted people to the region for the first had flow-on benefits. "We've been very supportive of the partnership between Venues NSW and City of Newcastle to increase major events in the city, because across visitor-economy businesses ... what we often find is events are a big driver of people to the city and often for the very first time," May said. "People will often extend their stay pre-or-post major events, like this, and that's where the real value lies ... and we find they spread out right across the region. "Major events are also a big drawcard for repeat visitation. If a person has a great experience ... they're surprised by how much they enjoyed themselves ... they're likely to return for leisure purposes." The women's Magic Round could yet return to Newcastle next year given the NRL struck a deal with the NSW government for it to be held in 'regional NSW' for the three years. Depending on the level of interest, it could yet shift to places like Mudgee, Tamworth or Bathurst. Wollongong would be another alternative with a bigger stadium than the country towns. Securing the men's Magic Round would likely require significant government investment, like Queensland has funded. Sydney could shape as a competitor to Newcastle in attracting the event, but it has its own drawbacks and similar events like rugby sevens tournaments and the A-League's Unite Round have flopped in the state capital. A decent turnout at the inaugural women's Magic Round this weekend would only put another feather in Newcastle's sporting cap, and further its case to try and host the men's version. "Recently with the big international [sporting] events, we've seen it and the sports are recognising it," Quayle said. "The councillors, too, recognise how good it is for the region. "We are seeing this prominently over the last five years, with the concerts [the stadium hosts] as well, it doesn't take long over a number of days to match, if you're talking Brisbane, [a crowd] of 50,000. "But the administrators won't make the decision just on people, it's how the event will be, which for me, is always a big plus for Newcastle, is the support it's going to get." Hawes added: "Landing the NRLW Magic Round is a huge coup and snaring the men's version would add further to the Hunter's growing reputation as a high-quality host destination for national and international sporting events." Sports and tourism leaders believe Newcastle should "go big" and position itself to take the NRL's Magic Round away from Brisbane, spruiking the Hunter's credentials ahead of the inaugural women's event this weekend. McDonald Jones Stadium in Broadmeadow is hosting the first NRLW Magic Round across Saturday and Sunday, where all six games will be played at the one venue. The women's round has been launched after the success of the men's event which has been held annually in Brisbane since 2019. The forecast rain might put a dampener on crowds at the women's version, but that hasn't diminished a view that Newcastle would be more than capable of hosting the men's Magic Round too. "We should strive for any event, as we have in relation to this one and as we have done with the events we've seen so successful [in the past]. You have to go big for the future," former rugby league administrator and Hunter resident, John Quayle, told the Newcastle Herald. "It doesn't happen just overnight, because cities now, in every event, are going to bid for the long term. They want it for their city. They don't want one-offs. "It's like the Grand Prix or Supercars, they are international events and with exposure sent around the world that you can't buy." As it stands, Brisbane will host the men's Magic Round until at least 2027, while a five-year extension has been mooted through to the 2032 Olympics. The Queensland government's strong financial support has kept the event in the Sunshine State since its inception. But whether its popularity ultimately wanes in Brisbane and the NRL opts to move it, remains to be seen. The NRL Nines suffered that fate after several years in Auckland before being revived and relocated to Perth in 2020. It hasn't been held since as the sport has generally moved away from the format at the elite level. Newcastle's track record in terms of hosting major sporting events speaks for itself. In the past year alone, the city has hosted the Wallabies, Wallaroos, Matildas and Women's State of Origin. The national women's netball and basketball teams have also previously played in the city, drawing capacity crowds. In a rugby league heartland, Knights games are well attended even when the team is struggling. But Magic Round is also about drawing visitors to justify government investment. Brisbane's Magic Round sold out this year, essentially attracting 150,000 fans across three days. McDonald Jones Stadium holds close to 30,000, which would likely mean more expensive tickets if it was to move to Newcastle, to draw similar revenue. One concern with drawing 30,000 people each day would be accommodation. But Will Creedon, a long-time Hunter accommodation provider and former local tourism chief, said the city had grown its short-term stay capacity and it wouldn't be an issue. "Why not?" Creedon said of hosting the men's event. "There's about 16,500 bedrooms across the region. That's not considering there are opportunities to bring people in by bus, or via train, from outlying areas. "Is there enough supply for each category of accommodation? That's an interesting question, but we'd be close to it I suspect. "But if we knew it was coming, and it was here every so often - I think we could do a Magic Round every five years - it would act as a stimuli to think about how we're going to fill the four years in between to drive innovation of inventory around transport and aviation." Mr Creedon, who now lives in Brisbane, believes the men's Magic Round will ultimately move to new locations. "Brisbane were very clever in what they've done, and the NRL ... do I think it will move? Absolutely," he said. "I actually think it will go to Asia and other places. There will be a bidding war, because the economic influence it has is significant, and the Hunter needs to be thinking like that. "Not just with the NRL, but every other code as well." Part of the 'magic' of Magic Round is the proximity of hospitality businesses to the venue. Newcastle's popular Beaumont Street is a five-minute drive, or 30-minute walk, from the stadium. The city centre is less than 10 minutes drive away. A train line to both is a mere 10-minute walk. "Newcastle is a great city for this sort of event because the CBD area is compact with lots of dining and entertainment options, spectators can access the stadium easily with public transport and we have so many other amazing attractions within a short distance to fill out visitors' itineraries," Business Hunter chief Bob Hawes said. "We've also got an airport that intra-and-interstate visitors can fly right into. "The economic benefits from events of this calibre flow onto a diverse range of businesses including accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants, pubs and clubs, but also service providers like caterers, cleaners, security companies, uber and taxi drivers and merchandise sellers. "It also projects the city and region onto television screens around the country." Other stakeholders the Herald spoke to raised the idea of Newcastle hosting a 'mini' men's Magic Round or a combined men's and women's version in the short term, if the men's event gets locked into Brisbane into the 2030s. That could potentially entail a one-day NRL triple-header on a Saturday, if other clubs were willing to sacrifice home games to bring matches here. Or perhaps a two-day event combining men's and women's fixtures. Newcastle Tourism Industry Group chair Dominic May said any large-scale sporting event that attracted people to the region for the first had flow-on benefits. "We've been very supportive of the partnership between Venues NSW and City of Newcastle to increase major events in the city, because across visitor-economy businesses ... what we often find is events are a big driver of people to the city and often for the very first time," May said. "People will often extend their stay pre-or-post major events, like this, and that's where the real value lies ... and we find they spread out right across the region. "Major events are also a big drawcard for repeat visitation. If a person has a great experience ... they're surprised by how much they enjoyed themselves ... they're likely to return for leisure purposes." The women's Magic Round could yet return to Newcastle next year given the NRL struck a deal with the NSW government for it to be held in 'regional NSW' for the three years. Depending on the level of interest, it could yet shift to places like Mudgee, Tamworth or Bathurst. Wollongong would be another alternative with a bigger stadium than the country towns. Securing the men's Magic Round would likely require significant government investment, like Queensland has funded. Sydney could shape as a competitor to Newcastle in attracting the event, but it has its own drawbacks and similar events like rugby sevens tournaments and the A-League's Unite Round have flopped in the state capital. A decent turnout at the inaugural women's Magic Round this weekend would only put another feather in Newcastle's sporting cap, and further its case to try and host the men's version. "Recently with the big international [sporting] events, we've seen it and the sports are recognising it," Quayle said. "The councillors, too, recognise how good it is for the region. "We are seeing this prominently over the last five years, with the concerts [the stadium hosts] as well, it doesn't take long over a number of days to match, if you're talking Brisbane, [a crowd] of 50,000. "But the administrators won't make the decision just on people, it's how the event will be, which for me, is always a big plus for Newcastle, is the support it's going to get." Hawes added: "Landing the NRLW Magic Round is a huge coup and snaring the men's version would add further to the Hunter's growing reputation as a high-quality host destination for national and international sporting events." Sports and tourism leaders believe Newcastle should "go big" and position itself to take the NRL's Magic Round away from Brisbane, spruiking the Hunter's credentials ahead of the inaugural women's event this weekend. McDonald Jones Stadium in Broadmeadow is hosting the first NRLW Magic Round across Saturday and Sunday, where all six games will be played at the one venue. The women's round has been launched after the success of the men's event which has been held annually in Brisbane since 2019. The forecast rain might put a dampener on crowds at the women's version, but that hasn't diminished a view that Newcastle would be more than capable of hosting the men's Magic Round too. "We should strive for any event, as we have in relation to this one and as we have done with the events we've seen so successful [in the past]. You have to go big for the future," former rugby league administrator and Hunter resident, John Quayle, told the Newcastle Herald. "It doesn't happen just overnight, because cities now, in every event, are going to bid for the long term. They want it for their city. They don't want one-offs. "It's like the Grand Prix or Supercars, they are international events and with exposure sent around the world that you can't buy." As it stands, Brisbane will host the men's Magic Round until at least 2027, while a five-year extension has been mooted through to the 2032 Olympics. The Queensland government's strong financial support has kept the event in the Sunshine State since its inception. But whether its popularity ultimately wanes in Brisbane and the NRL opts to move it, remains to be seen. The NRL Nines suffered that fate after several years in Auckland before being revived and relocated to Perth in 2020. It hasn't been held since as the sport has generally moved away from the format at the elite level. Newcastle's track record in terms of hosting major sporting events speaks for itself. In the past year alone, the city has hosted the Wallabies, Wallaroos, Matildas and Women's State of Origin. The national women's netball and basketball teams have also previously played in the city, drawing capacity crowds. In a rugby league heartland, Knights games are well attended even when the team is struggling. But Magic Round is also about drawing visitors to justify government investment. Brisbane's Magic Round sold out this year, essentially attracting 150,000 fans across three days. McDonald Jones Stadium holds close to 30,000, which would likely mean more expensive tickets if it was to move to Newcastle, to draw similar revenue. One concern with drawing 30,000 people each day would be accommodation. But Will Creedon, a long-time Hunter accommodation provider and former local tourism chief, said the city had grown its short-term stay capacity and it wouldn't be an issue. "Why not?" Creedon said of hosting the men's event. "There's about 16,500 bedrooms across the region. That's not considering there are opportunities to bring people in by bus, or via train, from outlying areas. "Is there enough supply for each category of accommodation? That's an interesting question, but we'd be close to it I suspect. "But if we knew it was coming, and it was here every so often - I think we could do a Magic Round every five years - it would act as a stimuli to think about how we're going to fill the four years in between to drive innovation of inventory around transport and aviation." Mr Creedon, who now lives in Brisbane, believes the men's Magic Round will ultimately move to new locations. "Brisbane were very clever in what they've done, and the NRL ... do I think it will move? Absolutely," he said. "I actually think it will go to Asia and other places. There will be a bidding war, because the economic influence it has is significant, and the Hunter needs to be thinking like that. "Not just with the NRL, but every other code as well." Part of the 'magic' of Magic Round is the proximity of hospitality businesses to the venue. Newcastle's popular Beaumont Street is a five-minute drive, or 30-minute walk, from the stadium. The city centre is less than 10 minutes drive away. A train line to both is a mere 10-minute walk. "Newcastle is a great city for this sort of event because the CBD area is compact with lots of dining and entertainment options, spectators can access the stadium easily with public transport and we have so many other amazing attractions within a short distance to fill out visitors' itineraries," Business Hunter chief Bob Hawes said. "We've also got an airport that intra-and-interstate visitors can fly right into. "The economic benefits from events of this calibre flow onto a diverse range of businesses including accommodation providers, cafes and restaurants, pubs and clubs, but also service providers like caterers, cleaners, security companies, uber and taxi drivers and merchandise sellers. "It also projects the city and region onto television screens around the country." Other stakeholders the Herald spoke to raised the idea of Newcastle hosting a 'mini' men's Magic Round or a combined men's and women's version in the short term, if the men's event gets locked into Brisbane into the 2030s. That could potentially entail a one-day NRL triple-header on a Saturday, if other clubs were willing to sacrifice home games to bring matches here. Or perhaps a two-day event combining men's and women's fixtures. Newcastle Tourism Industry Group chair Dominic May said any large-scale sporting event that attracted people to the region for the first had flow-on benefits. "We've been very supportive of the partnership between Venues NSW and City of Newcastle to increase major events in the city, because across visitor-economy businesses ... what we often find is events are a big driver of people to the city and often for the very first time," May said. "People will often extend their stay pre-or-post major events, like this, and that's where the real value lies ... and we find they spread out right across the region. "Major events are also a big drawcard for repeat visitation. If a person has a great experience ... they're surprised by how much they enjoyed themselves ... they're likely to return for leisure purposes." The women's Magic Round could yet return to Newcastle next year given the NRL struck a deal with the NSW government for it to be held in 'regional NSW' for the three years. Depending on the level of interest, it could yet shift to places like Mudgee, Tamworth or Bathurst. Wollongong would be another alternative with a bigger stadium than the country towns. Securing the men's Magic Round would likely require significant government investment, like Queensland has funded. Sydney could shape as a competitor to Newcastle in attracting the event, but it has its own drawbacks and similar events like rugby sevens tournaments and the A-League's Unite Round have flopped in the state capital. A decent turnout at the inaugural women's Magic Round this weekend would only put another feather in Newcastle's sporting cap, and further its case to try and host the men's version. "Recently with the big international [sporting] events, we've seen it and the sports are recognising it," Quayle said. "The councillors, too, recognise how good it is for the region. "We are seeing this prominently over the last five years, with the concerts [the stadium hosts] as well, it doesn't take long over a number of days to match, if you're talking Brisbane, [a crowd] of 50,000. "But the administrators won't make the decision just on people, it's how the event will be, which for me, is always a big plus for Newcastle, is the support it's going to get." Hawes added: "Landing the NRLW Magic Round is a huge coup and snaring the men's version would add further to the Hunter's growing reputation as a high-quality host destination for national and international sporting events."
