NRL Magic Round in Queensland to generate millions for economy

An entire round of the NRL will be played over one weekend in Brisbane next year following an historic agreement set to pump more than $60 million into Queensland’s economy. 

The Palaszczuk Government and Brisbane City Council have signed a multi-year deal with the NRL to have all 16 teams play at Suncorp Stadium over three action-packed days in May 2019.

The ‘Magic Round’ deal is tipped to generate more than 300,000 room nights for Queensland over the duration of the deal.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said hosting an entire round of the NRL competition would just further enhance Queensland’s reputation as the home of rugby league.

“I’m very confident the Magic Round will be the stand-out, marquee event of the 2019 draw,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Securing this new rugby league event was a must for our proud sporting state.

“We hosted Rugby League World Cup games and finals over five weeks last year, followed in February by the Night with Cameron Smith and JT Testimonial Match and in April two NRL premiership games were played in regional Queensland towns for the first time in history.”

Last month Queensland hosted another successful Brisbane Double Header, and this is all before the state has hosted State of Origin Game III in July.

“League fans will see the most exciting weekend of footy right here in Brisbane in the Magic Round, where they will be able to get up close to their sporting heroes at the biggest weekend on the rugby league calendar,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the fact that Brisbane was chosen to host the inaugural Magic Round once again demonstrated the city’s reputation for staging major events.

“Major events support our local economy and create jobs right across Brisbane, with their economic impact expected to rise to a record $165 million this financial year,” Cr Quirk said.

“Events such as the Battle of Brisbane, the Ashes cricket, the Rugby League World Cup finals and the Bledisloe Cup have helped attract huge numbers of visitors from across Australia and overseas.

“Brisbane will be in the sporting spotlight once again when all 16 NRL teams play a round in the one venue and is set to attract thousands of visitors to fill our hotel rooms and boost our local economy.”

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Magic Round deal was a great win for Queensland.

“We are solidifying Queensland’s reputation as the major events capital of Australia,” Ms Jones said.

“The Palaszczuk Government has doubled the value of Queensland’s events calendar. This year it’s tipped to be worth $780 million.

“We invest in major events because they drive visitors to our state, create jobs and support our economy.

“Rugby league is in our blood and I’m proud that we’ll host the first ever NRL Magic Round here in Brisbane at the best rectangular stadium in the world.”

NRL Chief Executive Todd Greenberg said Magic Round would be a first for the NRL.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our game and create a festival-like occasion for a Premiership Round,” Mr Greenberg said.

“We have seen the success of double headers in recent seasons, but this takes the concept to another level.

“There are enormous benefits to a full Round in the one location. Obviously, there will be significant exposure for such a unique round and it will be a wonderful promotion for all our clubs.

“We’re extremely grateful for the support of the clubs, the stadium, the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council and our broadcast partners Nine and Fox Sports, who have provided unwavering support to ensure this initiative became a reality.”

Media Contact:-  Jack Harbour - 0419 620 447