NRL Magic Round all about the fans

Brisbane is buzzing this week. It’s NRL Magic Round and the feeling in the air is magic.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the colour and vibrancy of NRL Magic Round in Brisbane would be unmatched in 2021. And already, he's not wrong.

“Magic Round is a weekend like no other – 272 players, 16 teams and eight games all at Suncorp Stadium,’’ Abdo said.

“Magic Round is about the fans. It gives our fans the opportunity to get closer to our players and our activations inside the fan zone will provide incredible insight into our game."

Aside from all of the games being played at Suncorp Stadium and the activations that will take place there, Queensland development staff have been busy all week, visiting different junior clubs and schools with NRL players from all of the clubs.

QRL community rugby league general manager Glenn Ottaway said Magic Round provided "a unique opportunity to leverage the profile of the NRL to engage our communities with rugby league".

Gold Coast Titans players visited St Joseph’s and St Francis earlier in the week and Brisbane Broncos players ran amok with junior players at Brothers Junior Rugby League at Stafford.

Today and tomorrow players and staff from Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Cronulla Sharks, Wests Tigers, Melbourne Storm, Canterbury Bulldogs, Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors will visit schools and clubs across the South East.

Children at Junction Park State School, Macgregor State School, St Eugene, Christ the King, Rochedale Tigers, Hilliard State School, Wynnum State School, Forest Lake State School, Grand Avenue State School, East Mt Gravatt Junior Rugby League, Carina Leagues and Redcliffe Dolphins will benefit from these visits.

"The development teams in Queensland work incredibly hard on recruitment and retention programs year-round, and we all know the deep connection both adults and kids have with their favourite NRL club and players... seeing them up close is a unique opportunity for many and something that will be in their memories for a long time," Ottaway said.

"Magic Round also gives us the opportunity to put the spotlight on some of the new programs being developed and delivered across Queensland.

"The QRL have committed long-term to initiatives like the Player Development Framework and showcasing some of the delivery involved with the programs helps with the ongoing education process for players, coaches, parents and fans."