Magic Round is up next as the 2025 NRL season begins to pick up speed.
But what exactly happens during this popular week of footy?
The Sporting News explains.
MORE: NRL team lists - Every side’s lineup for Magic Round
What is Magic Round? Explaining the NRL's festival of footy
During Magic Round, every game is played at the same venue.
The event is a popular one with fans, giving them the ability to watch an entire round of rugby league in an action-packed weekend.
In 2025, 16 NRL teams will play across eight matches at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
The event will span for three days – Friday, May 2 to Sunday, May 4.
Two matches will be held on the Friday before a trio of games on both Saturday and Sunday.
The Women's State of Origin opener will also take place on Thursday.
The format made its NRL debut in 2019, with Suncorp Stadium hosting the inaugural event
It was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19, but returned for 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Notably, the NRL is not the first competition to implement the Magic Round format, with the Super League debuting the concept in 2007 when 12 teams played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Why is it called Magic Round?
The round name appears to be derived from the Super League's 'Magic Weekend'.
Magic Round 2025: Fixtures, schedule
| Date | Time [AEST] | Match |
| Thu. May 1 | 7:45 pm | Queensland vs. NSW (Women's Origin) |
| Fri. May 2 | 6:00 pm | Cronulla Sharks vs. Parramatta Eels |
| Fri. May 2 | 8:00 pm | Sydney Roosters vs. Dolphins |
| Sat. May 3 | 3:00 pm | South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Newcastle Knights |
| Sat. May 3 | 5:30 pm | New Zealand Warriors vs. North Queensland Cowboys |
| Sat. May 3 | 7:45 pm | Wests Tigers vs. St George Illawarra Dragons |
| Sun. May 4 | 1:50 pm | Gold Coast Titans vs. Canterbury Bulldogs |
| Sun. May 4 | 4:05 pm | Penrith Panthers vs. Brisbane Broncos |
| Sun. May 4 | 6:25 pm | Melbourne Storm vs. Canberra Raiders |
Does Magic Round exist in other sports?
Yes, the 'Magic Round' concept has become rather popular in recent years.
The AFL hold a 'Gather Round', Super Rugby hosts a 'Super Round' and the A-Leagues has a 'Unite Round'.
All follow the general principle of hosting every game of a round at a single stadium or in one city.
