Suncorp Stadium’s traffic plan will be separate to the Caxton Street closure, the NRL says. Photo: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
THE NRL’s Magic Round and women’s Origin is coming to Suncorp starting from this Thursday as details of the Caxton Street road closure were released.
Eight NRL games will played at Suncorp Stadium from Friday (May 2) to Sunday (May 4).
A women’s State of Origin game will be held on Thursday as a prelude to the games.
Magic Round has been hosted in Brisbane since it was introduced in 2019 and injects over $30 million into the Queensland economy annually, the NRL says.
The four-day festival of rugby league is expected to draw a record 200,000 fans.
To accommodate the fans, the NRL has Brisbane City Council approval to use a section of Caxton Street for its ‘Magic Mile’ activities like games, music and activities.
The road closure will be in place from 10am (AEST) on Friday, May 2, to 3am on Monday, May 5, between Petrie Terrace and Hale Street.
The NRL says the Caxton Street closure is in addition to the stadium’s traffic management plan.
It says it learnt from 2024’s street closure and revised its plans to minimise any impact to nearby residents and business owners including reducing barricades to improve pedestrian thoroughfare.
THE FIXTURES
- Thursday: 7:45pm: game 1, Qld vs NSW Women’s Origin 1.
Friday: 6pm, Sharks v Eels; 8.05pm, Dolphins v Roosters. - Saturday: 3pm, Rabbitohs v Knights; 5.30pm, Warriors v Cowboys; 7.45pm, Wests Tigers v Dragons.
- Sunday: 1.50pm, Titans v Bulldogs; 4.05pm, Panthers v Broncos; 6.25pm, Storm v Raiders.
SALARY CAP EXEMPTIONS
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) says it will allow NRL clubs to sign up two PNG players outside the salary cap.
These players must have played junior rugby league in PNG and will be exempt from all salary caps.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys says PNG Schoolboys’ recent 22-all draw with a strong Australian side was “a clear indicator of the talent emerging from the region”.
The scheme is to help PNG prepare for a Port Moresby side’s entry into the NRL in 2028.
