The player from EVERY club to bring the magic to Magic Round

After getting a taste in 2019, fans finally have the second instalment of Magic Round with a host of mouth-watering clashes, all at the one venue. Fans of all 16 clubs will pack into Suncorp for three days of footy, heaven for most, to watch every star in our game light it up. While there'll be 272 players running around on the pitch, more if any 18th men get activated, but there's some that'll stand above others. The superstars, fighting it out to be THE star of the Magic Round. There's no magic without magicians, and every club has at least one at their club, waiting for their moment to shine, pull a rabbit out of the hat. Here's who'll light it up this weekend, wand in hand. Brisbane Broncos Xavier Coates It's a shame Xavier Coates won't be there when Adam Reynolds arrives, because the Maroons flyer would've had pinpoint kicks on his chest every week. Manly haven't conceded a try to an opposition team's right winger since Round 1, but if Coates sees any open space, that'll change quickly. [caption id="attachment_103256" align="alignnone" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Xavier Coates of the Broncos breaks away from the defence during the round six NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium, on April 15, 2021, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Canberra Raiders Sebastian Kris Sebastian Kris has been phenomenal this year, despite seemingly not being predicted in the top three centres at the club in the pre-season. With the likes of Jarrod Croker, Curtis Scott, and Matt Timoko in the squad, as well Harley-Smith Shields snapping at his heels, Kris has been extremely strong in the three-quarter line, and his hulking frame with haunt the Bulldogs when he magically cuts Will Hopoate in half. Embed from Getty Images Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs Jake Averillo It's hard finding one in this side, but Jake Averillo could pull a rabbit out of his hat at halfback. He started his career as a centre but has found a home in the halves, with his running game always dangerous. If Canterbury snatch an upset, they're going to have to score well above their 10 points per game average, and Averillo will be in the thick of it. [caption id="attachment_82521" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 21: Jake Averillo of the Bulldogs is tackled by Royce Hunt of the Sharks during the round six NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Canterbury Bulldogs at Bankwest Stadium on June 21, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Cronulla Sharks Wade Graham Wade Graham has hands like a halfback and tackles like a lock, what can't this back-rower produce? The Rabbitohs conceded six tries down their right edge against Melbourne, exactly where Wade will be attacking all game. If Graham sees an opportunity, he'll have the ball on a string, setting up former Bunnies Connor Tracey out wide. [caption id="attachment_38297" align="alignnone" width="1024"] NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 27: Wade Graham of the Sharks in action during the round 12 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the Cronulla Sharks at McDonald Jones Stadium on May 27, 2018 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)[/caption] Gold Coast Titans Tino Fa'asuamaleaui Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has the size of a prop and speed like a back, and without David Fifita, he'll have to be a wizard to dismantle this Penrith side. A premiership winning forward, the superhuman Tino did take on the New South Wales pack last year and won, so why not Penrith? Running into a Panthers middle third featuring James Fisher-Harris, Isaah Yeo and Moses Leota, he'll need something special to get the win here. Embed from Getty Images Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Tom Trbojevic Who else could it be? Tom Trbojevic is a deadset magician, the way he just appears wherever he's needed on the park, and makes a football float past three defenders. Last week was arguably his career best performance, anything close to a reproduction will have Brisbane down quick. [caption id="attachment_42399" align="alignnone" width="1024"] CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - JUNE 09: Tom Trbojevic of the Sea Eagles charges forward during the round 14 NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the New Zealand Warriors at AMI Stadium on June 9, 2018 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)[/caption] Melbourne Storm Josh Addo-Carr Six tries? In one game? Datiiiiit! Josh Addo-Carr is the NRL's own Flash, or if you're Phil Gould, he's the fastest man on the planet! If Ryan Papenhuyzen does make a return this week, he'll have his own magic moments as he did here two years ago, where he first announced himself to the rugby league world. But give Addo-Carr a sniff, a few grass blades of space, and it'll be a nightmare for the Dragons right edge defence. [caption id="attachment_81482" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SUNSHINE COAST, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Josh Addo-Carr looks to pass during a Melbourne Storm NRL training session at Sunshine Coast Stadium on September 29, 2020 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Newcastle Knights Kurt Mann Kurt Mann sure is magic alright, he's a shapeshifter. Whether you need him in the halves, at hooker, fullback, the centres, even a roaming lock, he'll fit the mould, and excel. He's the glue that every team needs, especially when the side is missing three-quarters of their full-strength spine. Missing their main magic man in Kalyn Ponga, who's step on Kieran Foran at the last Magic Round still makes highlight reels, and means that Mann will once again have to step up in the absence of a star. He'll need to reach deep into his bag of tricks to set up this win. [caption id="attachment_59318" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 18: Kurt Mann of the Knights passes the ball during the round 10 NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Newcastle Knights at Bankwest Stadium on July 18, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)[/caption] North Queensland Cowboys Kyle Feldt Okay Kyle Feldt, how'd you do it? Did the hulking winger sprout a third arm to get that football down last week? There's arguably no better finisher in the NRL, but even by his standard that was... magic. The Cowboys looked good with Jake Clifford back in the side, much to Feldt's benefit. His giant leaps are as impressive as his diving put downs, and will be flying over the white stripe on Saturday. [caption id="attachment_22863" align="alignnone" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Kyle Feldt of the Cowboys runs with the ball during the NRL Qualifying Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium on September 12, 2015 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)[/caption] Parramatta Eels Isaiah Papali'i Isaiah Papali'i isn't magic, he's a superhero - the Samoan Hulk. The former Warrior has been a revelation for Parramatta in 2021, scoring five tries in nine games, and keeping Shaun Lane on the interchange bench. Whatever magic dust was sprinkled on him over the off-season worked, a career best season to date so far. He'll be sure to leave his former team mates with a few bumps and bruises if they get in his way on Sunday. Embed from Getty Images Penrith Panthers Brian To'o Brian To'o has more running metres than anyone in the competition, the winger is so talented he can drink a can of Rockstar at half time and still run out a five star performance. Marking up against Anthony Don this weekend, the human bulldozer will run amok, his magic trick is simply creating something from nothing. Abracadabra, Penrith start the season 10-0. [caption id="attachment_103606" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 22: Brian To'o of the Panthers is tackled during the round seven NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Newcastle Knights at BlueBet Stadium, on April 22, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)[/caption] South Sydney Rabbitohs Benji Marshall Benji Marshall is THE original magician in the NRL. We've seen how the Kiwi international has wound back the clock in recent weeks, throwing trademark 'Benji flicks' and some blistering cut out passes. He'll be extremely keen to erase last weeks performance, and he'll have a helping hand with the man who'll call Suncorp home next year returning, Adam Reynolds. Watch out for that building Benji Marshall and Keaon Koloamatangi combination. Embed from Getty Images St. George Illawarra Dragons Matt Dufty Matt Dufty just manages to be at the right place, at the right time. Whether it's planting down a Ben Hunt grubber or throwing a monster cut out ball to Mikaele Ravalawa, the zippy custodian is in everything. If Addo-Carr does see that open space, Dufty is no slouch, and that foot race is worth the price of admission alone! [caption id="attachment_101881" align="alignnone" width="1024"] TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Matt Dufty of the Dragons is tackled by Jake Clifford of the Cowboys during the round 17 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the St George Illawarra Dragons at QCB Stadium on September 06, 2020 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)[/caption] Sydney Roosters Sam Walker The Chooks have multiple magicians amongst their squad, but Sam Walker will be the best out of the lot. It was just a fortnight ago he laid on a whopping five try-assists against Newcastle, the kid has complete control over the Steeden. He'll have a new halves partner in Lachlan Lam, but it'll still be Sam running the show, putting the football on a dime all night. Pencil him in to put James Tedesco over at least once in the match. [caption id="attachment_101395" align="alignnone" width="1024"] QUEANBEYAN, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 27: Sam Walker of the Roosters celebrates a try with team mates during the NRL trial Match between the Sydney Roosters and the Canberra Raiders at Seiffert Oval on February 27, 2021 in Queanbeyan, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)[/caption] New Zealand Warriors Roger Tuivasa-Sheck Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is the man with the magic feet, the captain just brings so much electricity into the side. It's a rugby league tragedy that RTS won't be playing the sport after this season, sidestepping his way between a crack in the wall and burning defenders on his way to the line. He's certainly making the most of his final year in the NRL, but he'll need his top hat on if he's to upset the 8-1 Eels. [caption id="attachment_49071" align="alignnone" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 11: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck of the Warriors offloads during the round nine NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium on May 11, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Wests Tigers Daine Laurie It's hard to go past one of the best rookies of the season in Daine Laurie. The Penrith product has excelled since getting regular first-grade at Concord, running nearly 140m a game along with three tries and three try assists. If Wests manage to snare a win, it'll have Laurie's fingerprints all over it. [caption id="attachment_83858" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 08: Daine Laurie of the Panthers looks to offload the ball during the round 13 NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Canberra Raiders at Panthers Stadium on August 08, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption]

		P	W	PTS	+/-
1	MEL	1	1	2	48
2	CRO	1	1	2	40
3	PEN	1	1	2	26
4	NZW	1	1	2	24
5	SOU	1	1	2	10
6	NEW	1	1	2	10
7	CBR	1	1	2	1
8	CAN	1	1	2	1

The player from EVERY club to bring the magic to Magic Round

There’s no magic without magicians, and every club has at least one at their club 🧙‍♂️

Cronulla Sharks

Wade Graham

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