Knights skipper Yasmin Clydsdale has declared the inaugural NRLW Magic Round will set a new standard for high-profile elite women\u2019s sporting events while attracting new fans and players to the game.<\/p>\n
All 12 teams will descend on Newcastle for a historic festival in round five, with six matches to be played across two days at McDonald Jones Stadium on 2 and 3 August.<\/p>\n
The event is set to attract a big crowd to a region that has become synonymous with passionate support for women\u2019s rugby league.<\/p>\n
The rapid development of the NRLW has\u00a0helped the sport entice a host of talented athletes and the introduction of Magic Round is the latest lure for those hoping to feature in Australia\u2019s toughest elite domestic competition.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re getting closer to professionalism and now we\u2019re getting to play in these important rounds,\u201d Clydsdale told NRL.com.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have Magic Round and then we have Indigenous Round coming up after that.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so exciting because there\u2019s so many things happening in Newcastle that the community will get around and that\u2019s inspiring our team.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOur supporters show up and put themselves at the grounds, which is why we get to host all these amazing games.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had two Women\u2019s State of Origin matches in consecutive years and now adding Magic Round is a credit to the fans and the community we\u2019ve created in Newcastle.\u201d<\/p>\n
The introduction of an NRLW Magic Round marks the next step in the growth and expansion of women\u2019s rugby league.\u00a0<\/p>\n
From a four-team competition to 12 this year, the game continues to enjoy rapid growth on and off the field.<\/p>\n
The recent State of Origin series was another historic moment, with record crowds and TV ratings in its second season as a three-game contest.<\/p>\n
The series is now one of the biggest annual women\u2019s sporting events in the country and the quality of the NRLW is the envy of the code\u2019s rivals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As well, the men\u2019s Magic Round has become a marquee event on the rugby league calendar.<\/p>\n
Fans travel far and wide to watch their team in action and share in the festivities at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium.\u00a0<\/p>\n
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the introduction of the NRLW Magic Round was the next step on the path to professionalism and a full 18-team competition.<\/p>\n
Eventually, he hopes, the event will have a profile as big as the men\u2019s version, with spectators clamouring for tickets.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s part of the evolution,\u201d Abdo said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe [ARL] Commission has been pushing us for a number of years to find a way to create a Magic Round.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, we are grateful for the partnership we have with the NSW Government who\u2019ve helped us create a festival in Newcastle, which is a great location for football full stop.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year when it was absolutely pouring with rain, to see all the Newcastle fans come out and watch the Women\u2019s State of Origin game was pretty special.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe expect a great crowd and great atmosphere and this is the start of something that we\u2019re building and gathering momentum over the next couple of years.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Knights have also enjoyed a strong start to their 2025 campaign, including a 36-20 win over the Warriors on the Voice for Mining Family Day at McDonald Jones Stadium in round three.<\/p>\n
It marked the first time the women had joined the men in wearing the unique hi-vis jersey inspired by the Hunter region\u2019s proud mining culture.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clydsdale\u2019s husband Adam, himself a former Knight, works as a truck driver at Bengalla Mine and the job has helped the couple achieve their dream of purchasing a farm near Scone.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wouldn\u2019t have been able to have the farm without Adam\u2019s job in the mines,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are always grateful for mining and what it does for communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt always gives support to the community and rugby league.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven at grassroots levels, they\u2019re around, supporting and sponsoring the teams.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe heart of the Hunter is rugby league and mining, so I\u2019ve loved seeing NSW Mining be part of the Knights.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tickets to NRLW Magic Round are selling fast.<\/p>\n
Head to\u00a0NRL.com\/tickets\u00a0to get your tickets and witness history live.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
Cameron Mee, NRL reporter<\/p>\n
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