The NRL Magic Round is to stay in Brisbane for six more years as the state government moves to turn it into a week-long tourism and business promotion.
On Friday, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli announced a deal to lock in the NRL round at Suncorp Stadium until 2032 despite interest from New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia and even New Zealand.
(The Magic Round concept originated in the UK in 2007 and sees all the clubs in the competition play at one venue over several days; click here for more about the concept.)
The state government is also expanding the Round with activities to be held across the state from 2027 over a week with more matches scheduled as the Perth Bears then the PNG Chiefs join the NRL competition.
It says a new regional festival will include a new Premiers Cup Junior Carnival with the final serving as a curtain-raiser before the Women’s State of Origin in Townsville and live sites across regional areas for Magic Round.
The government is also eyeing greater celebrations at Caxton Street (next to Suncorp Stadium) and city-wide events, more community events, a regional tourism showcase and a new industry events calendar to attract new investment.
The deal was signed between the state government, NRL and Brisbane City Council.
‘MAGIC BENEFITS FOR STATE’
Crisafulli claims the deal will benefit communities across the State.
“Lock it in to 2032; the Round is staying in Queensland exactly where it belongs,” he says.
“We are only just getting started on what the Round can be in Queensland. This new deal means it will be bigger, it will be better and we’ll make sure every corner of Queensland gets a chance to share in the magic.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner claims that the Round is now a part of the city’s identity.
“Magic Round was born in Brisbane (in 2019) and it’s here to stay,” he says.
“This event delivers a huge boost for local businesses, supports local jobs and showcases Brisbane to a massive national audience.”
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys backs the state’s plans for a ‘Magic Week’.
“This extension reflects that shared ambition and confidence that the partnership will deliver major outcomes for the promotion of rugby league and Queensland,” he says.
“Magic Round has evolved into a major national event with real impact — for tourism, business engagement, investment across Queensland and for encouraging participation in rugby league,” V’landys says.
“Our focus is to expand on that impact by creating new experiences, showcasing some of the best tourism locations in the world, lifting visitation, creating regional junior football carnivals and building a calendar of industry, media and business events that add long‑term value to the state.
“With this new agreement, Magic Round will get even bigger and showcase the best of Queensland to the world.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo says the Round has a strong economic impact.
“Magic Round is about turning a great sporting event into a broader cultural and economic moment for the city and the state,” he says.
“This extension means together we will build an even bigger and bolder week,
from junior football carnivals to tourism adventures and business forums.”
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the plans fall under their Destination 2045 strategy to boost the state’s visitor economy by getting more people to stay, play and spend across the state.
“Destination 2045 is about turning major events into longer stays that deliver more for local businesses and communities and NRL Magic Round delivers that,” he says.
“We want visitors to come for the footy but stay for everything else Queensland has to offer, exploring more, staying longer, and supporting jobs across the state.”
OTHER NRL NEWS: Perth Bears to join in 2027
