Magic Round is one of the NRL's greatest promotions. With every team, every game all at one ground.
It doesn't get much better than that.
Here are a few little things to make your Magic Round a bit more exciting. Something for you to look for while you're watching the footy, or a reason to watch a game you wouldn't normally tune into.
4. Clash of the Titans
It might be an obvious choice, but the Melbourne Storm facing the Penrith Panthers can't be ignored. The injury to Ryan Papenhuyzen has taken a bit of the gloss off it, but there is no doubt this will still be a must-watch for any NRL fan.
The last time the Storm lost Papenhuyzen, Nicho Hynes almost pushed him out of the team and earned himself a massive contract at the Cronulla Sharks, so they don't get too much pity. Whoever they decide to put back to fullback, whether it's Nick Meaney or Cameron Munster or someone unknown, they'll be just fine.
I guarantee the Panthers won't be expecting an easy affair because Papenhuyzen is out.
The fact that Penrith is coming off a loss makes this all the more exciting. Losing to the Parramatta Eels makes the Panther more desperate to not make it back-to-back losses, while the Storm will want payback after Penrith knocked them out in the preliminary final.
Far and away the two best teams in the competition, this will be an insane match. Their last five matches, apart from one 37-10 shellacking by the storm, have been within seven points. I would expect much the same.
