NRLW Magic Round is coming—in just two weeks’ time

The NRL has officially announced the inaugural NRLW Magic Round will take place in Newcastle on the weekend of August 2-3.

Forming Round 5 of this year’s NRLW competition, all 12 teams will feature across six games to be played at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Since it first took place in 2019 the men’s Magic Round has become a marquee event on the rugby league calendar—and the game’s powerbrokers clearly see NRLW Magic Round as a key next step in the growth and expansion of women’s rugby league in Australia.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the introduction of Magic Round will help to move the NRLW closer to professionalism and a full 18-team competition, after beginning with just four teams in 2018.

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“It’s part of the evolution,” Abdo said.

“The [ARL] Commission has been pushing us for a number of years to find a way to create a Magic Round and we’re grateful for the partnership we have with the NSW Government who’ve helped us create a festival in Newcastle, which is a great location for football full stop. 

“Last year, when it was absolutely pouring with rain, to see all the Newcastle fans come out and watch the Women’s State of Origin game was pretty special.

“We expect a great crowd and great atmosphere and this is the start of something that we’re building and gathering momentum over the next couple of years.”

‘Magic Round is a credit to the fans’

Newcastle Knights NRLW skipper Yasmin Clydsdale explained her excitement, both about the announcement itself and the fact Magic Round will take place in her team’s home town. 

“We’re getting closer to professionalism and now we’re getting to play in these important rounds,” Clydsdale told NRL.com.

“It’s so exciting because there’s so many things happening in Newcastle, our supporters show up and put themselves at the grounds, which is why we get to host all these amazing games. 

“We’ve had two Women's State of Origin games in consecutive years and now adding Magic Round is a credit to the fans and the community we’ve created in Newcastle.”

2025 NRLW Magic Round

Saturday August 2

Sunday August 3

All games at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle.