The 2026 NRL Magic Round has been confirmed, locking in a full weekend of footy at Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane) and the women’s counterpart, the 2026 NRLW Magic Round, set to take place in regional New South Wales at Wagga Wagga.
NRL Magic Round (Brisbane)
The men’s Magic Round will deliver eight blockbuster matches at Suncorp Stadium in Round 11, showcasing the league’s premier clubs in one of rugby league’s most anticipated weekends.
- The action kicks off Friday 15 May with a double-header: Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury‑Bankstown Bulldogs, followed by South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Dolphins.
- On Saturday 16 May, a triple-header is scheduled: Wests Tigers vs Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, followed by Sydney Roosters vs North Queensland Cowboys, and then Parramatta Eels vs Melbourne Storm.
- Sunday 17 May features the final three matches: Gold Coast Titans vs Newcastle Knights, then Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos, and finally Penrith Panthers vs St George Illawarra Dragons.
- Four-day passes and ticketing options for this mega-weekend went on sale ahead of public release and are expected to be in high demand.
NRLW Magic Round (Wagga Wagga)
In a landmark move to regionalize women’s elite sport, the 2026 NRLW Magic Round will be held at Geohex Park in Wagga Wagga on Saturday 1 August & Sunday 2 August.
- Saturday’s slate: Cronulla Sharks W‑Team vs Wests Tigers W‑Team (12 noon), St George Illawarra Dragons W‑Team vs Sydney Roosters W‑Team (2:15pm), followed by Canberra Raiders W‑Team vs North Queensland Cowboys W‑Team (4:15pm).
- Sunday’s matches: Canterbury Bulldogs W‑Team vs Brisbane Broncos W‑Team (12 noon), Warriors W‑Team vs Gold Coast Titans W‑Team (1:45pm), and Parramatta Eels W‑Team vs Newcastle Knights W‑Team (4:00pm).
Why It Matters
For the NRL, the Magic Round has become a signature event — combining blockbuster club fixtures, festival-style atmosphere and tourist footfall. By returning to Brisbane for the men and moving the women’s competition to a regional city, the league is balancing both marquee exposure and regional engagement.
Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium remains one of the sport’s most iconic venues, supplying the scale for the eight-match men’s weekend. Meanwhile, Wagga Wagga’s Geohex Park and regional setting ensure the NRLW Magic Round is as much about community and growth as it is about elite action.
What to Look For
- Fans should act quickly on ticket packages for the men’s eight-match weekend.
- For women’s teams, this marks another step in bringing premier-tier sport to regional NSW — expect increased community events, school outreach and local economic impact.
- Clubs, players and fans alike will use the Magic Round to showcase their brand while attracting new supporters and regional market exposure.
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