Footy stars to show juniors their tricks at inaugural Magic Round

Published Wednesday, 24 April, 2019 at 02:33 PM

Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Two weeks out from one of the biggest events on the rugby league calendar, junior footy clubs across Brisbane are set to capitalise when the biggest names in football converge on the River City.

With all 16 of the National Rugby League’s clubs poised to head to Brisbane for the inaugural Magic Round (9 - 12 May), Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones today announced local juniors would get special attention from their sporting idols over the next month.

“We’re committed to investing in events that stimulate our economy and support tourism jobs in Queensland – the Magic Round will do just that,” she said.

“The Magic Round is the hottest ticket on the NRL’s calendar for 2019 and we’ve worked hard to maximise tourism outcomes for the city from this event.

“Ensuring Queensland footy fans benefit from hosting this historic event is important. That’s why we’re making sure local juniors capitalise on this rare opportunity.

Ms Jones said each of the eight NRL clubs that are officially playing their ‘home’ game during the Magic Round Brisbane will host community engagement activities – including the Sea Eagles, Tigers, Bulldogs, Warriors, Storm, Roosters, Rabbitohs and Titans.

“No matter who they support, we want to make sure our youngest footy fans get a chance to meet their idols,” Ms Jones said.

“That’s why we’ve worked closely with the NRL to develop a comprehensive program of off-field events - including a huge entertainment line-up and a series of community engagement opportunities involving players.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the NRL Magic Round Brisbane was set to deliver a family-friendly and affordable weekend of footy and off the field activities to the city.

“There will be plenty of free events and community activations to take place off the field, which will help to create a festival atmosphere in the week leading up to the NRL Magic Round Brisbane,” Cr Schrinner said.

“NRL Magic Round Brisbane is also helping to drive junior development for Brisbane’s aspiring rugby league players, which will be supported by plenty of community events, school visits and open training sessions where fans will be able to see their favourite team or players up close.

“NRL Magic Round Brisbane will be an event like no other, with a major national sporting competition playing an entire round in the one city - cementing our city’s reputation as a destination for blockbuster sport.

“Hosting the NRL Magic Round is a win for Brisbane. This will be a truly memorable experience which provides more to see and do in Brisbane, and we welcome this new and exciting event to our city’s rich calendar of events.”

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said he was looking forward to the upcoming festivities in Brisbane.

“This will be an incredible experience for our game, our players and our fans,” Mr Greenberg said.

“Brisbane will be a fantastic host city and I know from speaking with clubs that they are looking forward to greeting their fans – both local and travelling – and spending time within communities.

“It’s important that we engage with our fans whenever possible and Magic Round Brisbane will be a perfect opportunity to do so, across an array of communities and junior clubs.”

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