NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has hailed an inaugural NRLW Magic Round as the latest step towards an expanded women’s competition and full-time professionalism for elite players.
The governing body and NSW government on Tuesday announced a three-year partnership to stage a full round of NRLW fixtures in regional NSW, starting at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium in 2025.
The NRL Magic Round has been a genuine success story of Abdo’s tenure, selling out Suncorp Stadium in 2024 and generating predictions of a $120 million tourism windfall for Queensland over the next three years.
Abdo pointed to last year’s record 25,782-strong crowd for last year’s women’s Origin fixture in Newcastle – despite pouring rain and freezing conditions – as evidence of the potential for capacity attendances for the first NRLW Magic Round.
With the Bulldogs and Warriors taking the NRLW to 12 teams next year, six games will be played across a Magic Weekend in July next year. Dates for the Magic Round event will be locked in later this week when the full NRLW draw is unveiled.
Abdo said the governing body’s staggered approach to NRLW expansion had fostered strong broadcast ratings and crowds going into 2025. The competition has grown to 12 teams in its eighth season. By comparison, the AFLW has risen to 18 teams across six years of growth.
Reigning premiers the Roosters will be a key drawcard at the inaugural NRLW Magic Round. Credit: Getty Images
“The next stage in the evolution of NRLW was a Magic Round, and it’s been really important to the Commission to take that step with the investment of the NSW government,” Abdo said.
“I’m expecting big numbers in terms of both fans attending and broadcast ratings and that’s a reflection of the investment by both the clubs and the Commission to keep investing in the women’s game at all levels, from grassroots and pathways through to the elite level.
“I think it’s been a successful strategy and the competition has become more intense each year. It’s been a staggered approach but it’s one where we will hopefully have all clubs having both men’s and women’s teams in the competition.”
The 2026 and 2027 NRLW Magic Round locations will remain open-ended, with the possibility of the event being held in other regional centres around NSW.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo.Credit: James Brickwood
“This is fantastic news, for footy fans and regional communities alike. Not only will this provide an incredible experience for fans, but it will also provide a massive boost to local economies,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
“It’s great to have seen the growth of women’s sport across all codes and all levels over the past few years and initiatives like this are an important way we can engage the next generation of sporting superstars regardless of postcode”.
With the NRL set to begin the next round of broadcast negotiations ahead of the next TV rights cycle in 2028, Abdo said continued expansion of the NRLW remains a priority.
“The commercial opportunities to grow the game through events like Magic Round allow us to invest in expansion and of course distribute funds back to the clubs and players,” he said.
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