How NRLW Magic Round will change the game for women's sport

Knights skipper Yasmin Clydsdale has declared the inaugural NRLW Magic Round will set a new standard for high-profile elite women's sporting events while attracting new fans and players to the game.

All 12 teams will descend on Newcastle for a historic festival of rugby league in Round 5, with six games to be played across two days at McDonald Jones Stadium on August 2 and 3. 

The event is set to attract a big crowd to a region that has become synonymous with passionate support for women's rugby league.

The rapid development of the NRLW has helped the sport attract a host of talented athletes and the introduction of Magic Round is the latest lure for women hoping to feature in Australia's toughest elite domestic competition. 

Clydsdale said the event sets rugby league apart from other sports and she's desperate to be involved in the historic weekend.

"We're getting closer to professionalism and now we're getting to play in these important rounds," Clydsdale told 42025.com. "We have Magic Round and then we have Indigenous Round coming up after that. 

"It's so exciting because there's so many things happening in Newcastle that the community will get around and that's inspiring our team. 

"Our supporters show up and put themselves at the grounds, which is why we get to host all these amazing games. We've had two Women's State of Origin games in consecutive years and now adding Magic Round is a credit to the fans and the community we've created in Newcastle."

The introduction of an NRLW Magic Round marks the next step in the growth and expansion of women's rugby league. 

From a four-team competition to 12 this year, the game continues to enjoy rapid growth on and off the field.

The recent State of Origin series was another historic event, with record crowds and TV ratings in its second year as a three-game contest.

The series is now one of the biggest annual women's sporting events in the country and the quality of the NRLW is the envy of the code's rivals. 

The men's Magic Round has become a marquee event on the rugby league calendar, with fans travelling far and wide to watch their team in action and share in the festivities at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium. 

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the introduction of the NRLW Magic Round is the next step on the path to professionalism and a full 18-team competition.

Eventually, he hopes, the event will have a profile as big as the men's version, with fans clamouring for tickets.

"It's part of the evolution," Abdo said. "The [ARL] Commision has been pushing us for a number of years to find a way to create a Magic Round and we're grateful for the partnership we have with the NSW Government who've helped us create a festival in Newcastle, which is a great location for football full stop. 

"Last year when it was absolutely pouring with rain, to see all the Newcastle fans come out and watch the Women's State of Origin game was pretty special. We expect a great crowd and great atmosphere and this is the start of something that we're building and gathering momentum over the next couple of years."