The NRL kicked off Magic Round by announcing their showcase event would remain in Brisbane until the end of 2027, and it’s a fitting decision. ‘Brisvegas’ beat out bids from rival cities to host the NRL’s best in-season event, meaning the likes of Sydney, Adelaide, Auckland and Perth will have to wait until at least 2028. And why would you ever want to move it? It’s arguably Australia’s premier rectangle stadium, and hosted close to 150,000 fans across the three days.
So what was the atmosphere like? Outside of the on-field Magic, the off-field spectacle was just as impressive. You only needed to take two steps out of your hotel to see NRL jerseys. It was a rugby league tragic’s heaven, and everyone was in Brisbane for the same reason — because they love the great game.
Rugby league legend Corey Parker believes “there’s no better place to hold a carnival-like tournament” than Brisbane. “Bars, restaurants, everything within proximity and hotels. It’s all there for everyone,” he said, while Michael Ennis added: “Can we take it elsewhere? Absolutely.
But we don’t take it away from Brisbane”. No matter people’s differences, everyone came together to enjoy some NRL action and everyone I spoke to was ecstatic to be there. So was NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo, who was thanked by Suncorp elevator staff while departing the ground after the last game.
He coined the weekend a “huge success” and he was absolutely right. It’s truly a rugby leagu.
