The NRL recently announced plans to host a 'magic weekend' type round of fixtures at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium in 2019. For those who aren't aware of the concept, each year the English Super League hosts a round of fixtures at one super venue, Cardiff's Millennium Stadium or Newcastle's St James' Park.
Every game across the round takes place in front of an incredible atmosphere in a elite stadium. It's really a highlight on the calendar in the English game.
It was only a matter of time until the NRL introduced a similar concept, with an announcement that that Brisbane will host an entire round of NRL action in 2019.
Personally I'm a big fan of the Magic Weekend idea but for the life of me I can't see why they took it to Brisbane.
Sure, the stadium is magnificent and the weather will likely be warmer than Sydney or Melbourne, but surely this was the ultimate change to expand the game rather than just play a round of games in a rugby league strong hold.
The obvious answer was moving the games to Perth's new stadium. Perth has supported the game well in recent years and the new stadium is absolutely marvelous. The double header in round one was a delight to witness.
That said, I've been pushing a magic weekend idea of sorts that is a little different but I believe would be the NRL's highlight outside of the ANZAC Day games.
I personally would love to see an entire round of league played in the country, or at very least non-rugby league towns. To clarify not all of the above would be considered 'the bush' but are great stadiums in non-league saturated markets. The idea is to use the round to grow the game.
Here's how I would run a perfect Magic Weekend to bring the game to the people. Some of the stadium names and capacities could have changed as a result if sponsorship deals.
Friday Night 7 pm - Roosters vs Tigers - Aurora Stadium, Launceston, TAS (20,000 capacity)
A huge game to kick off an even bigger weekend. When is the last time the NRL played in Tasmania? Has it ever? Genuine question. A huge opportunity for these teams to chase fans in Tasmania. The Hawks have enjoyed great success as a result of their partnership with the Tassie government.
Friday Night 9 pm - Sea Eagles vs Warriors - Perth Stadium (Capacity 60,000+)
A game in Perth makes sense. The crowds supported it brilliantly in round one and I'd be taking the Warriors and Sea Eagles. Manly could use the cash injection of a big crowd and the Warriors are very well supported in the Western state. This would be a good time slot for the Eastern states too making it attractive to Channel 9.
Saturday 3pm - Dragons vs Storm - Lavington Sports Ground in Albury (15,000 capacity)
The Dragons have the South of Sydney and Melbourne obviously have their city, but what about in between? The board town would host an absolute belter of a game. Surely this game would sell out from both traveling and local fans. Huge opportunity for the Storm especially here.
Saturday 5 pm - Panthers vs Eels - Apex Oval in Dubbo (12,000 capacity)
Take the western derby out west. Games in Bathurst have been amazing so I can't see anything less than a sell out in Dubbo. This would be the marquee game of the round and is in a perfect time slot. Games between these sides are always tense let alone in a country atmosphere.
Saturday 7 pm - Broncos vs Titans - Stadium MacKay in Mackay, QLD (12,000 capacity)
Another marquee game that would pit two rivals against each other. 12,000 would not be enough but the festivities would last all week, and then some. Mackay would be absolutely rocking as a result. This would continue an absolute treat of footy.
Saturday 9 pm - Cowboys vs Rabbitohs - TIO Stadium, Darwin (14,000 capacity)
The cherry on top of a super Saturday. The Cowboys and Bunnies have both played in Darwin previously and would pack out TIO stadium yet again. This is a no brainer, and obviously the late time slot would limit the chances of it being too hot.
Sunday 2 pm - Knights vs Sharks - Coffs International Stadium, Coffs Harbour (20,000 capacity)
A Newcastle game in Coffs Harbour makes sense as it would likely see a big, red and blue crowd attend. The Sharks are a draw card and have plenty of fans north of Newcastle who would travel. This would be a fun game in a town that is overlooked far too often.
Sunday 4 pm - Bulldogs vs Raiders - Coopers Stadium, SA (16,5000 stadium)
The final game of the round would take place in a brilliant yet boutique stadium. You could host it at the redeveloped cricket ground however the 16,500 capacity would suit this fixture. The Dogs have fans all over and both teams could fight for a shot to take over a market that is screaming out for footy.
I'm a huge fan of taking the game to new markets and I believe the above would see monster interest in the code outside of Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne etc.
It's not a 'Magic weekend' per say but if you're looking to market the game this is a far better idea than running back to back games at a stadium that almost sells out for every Broncos home game anyway.
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