Wagga’s NRL Women Magic Weekend kicks off today

The Magic Round kicks off today with Tigers versus Sharks opening the round at 11:35am.

This weekend’s showcase will see all 12 NRLW teams take to Geohex Park and is delivered through a three-year partnership with the NSW Government’s Make the Move campaign to boost tourism, support local economies and promote the benefits of living in regional NSW.

Fans can still snap up passes through Ticketek, with the NSW Government encouraging people to get behind women’s Rugby League and help make it a huge weekend for Wagga Wagga.

The Festival of Magic marks the second NRLW Magic Round to be held in regional NSW, delivering a welcome boost for local businesses, from accommodation providers and cafes to pubs, retailers, tourism operators and hospitality venues across Wagga Wagga and the Riverina.

Through Make the Move, the NSW Government is encouraging essential workers living in cities - including health workers, teachers, paramedics and police - to consider the lifestyle, career and community benefits of relocating to regional NSW.

Since 2023, the NSW Government has supported 4,058  essential workers to move to regional NSW, with practical assistance through The Welcome Experience across 88 local government areas.

The campaign also connects essential workers and their families with The Welcome Experience, a free service providing practical support to help people settle in with assistance like housing, childcare, employment opportunities for partners and local community connections.

The initiative supports government and non-government workers, including police officers, paramedics, firefighters, teachers, doctors, nurses, veterinarians, aged care, disability support and early childhood workers.

A line-up of entertainment and family-friendly activities will run across this weekend, including a performance by 2026 Australian Idol winner Kesha Nevé, a Bluey and Bingo live interactive experience, and a kids’ activity zone with face painting.

Tickets are selling fast and can still be purchased at https://www.nrl.com/tickets/nrlw-magic-round/

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“What a thrilling weekend ahead where we get to see elite women’s Rugby League in a wonderful regional setting in Wagga Wagga.

“Hosting the NRLW Magic Round this year showcases the beautiful Riverina and Wagga Wagga to those who are tuned in to see a spectacular couple of days of Rugby League.

"Events like this give young girls across regional NSW the chance to see some of the game's biggest stars up close and be inspired to get involved in sport themselves.  

“The NRLW Magic Round is not only a fantastic showcase of elite women's sport, but also an opportunity to celebrate the communities that support and grow the game at every level."

Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“The NRLW Magic Round is a celebration of women’s sport, bringing every team together for a weekend that fans will remember.

“Events like this bring local fans and visitors together, creating a lively weekend across Wagga Wagga, with benefits flowing to accommodation providers, cafes, pubs, restaurants and businesses across the region.

“It is also a fantastic opportunity to showcase regional NSW as a destination for major events, with Wagga Wagga proving once again it has the venues, community support and visitor appeal to host sport at the highest level.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NRLW Magic Round is a powerful celebration of women and girls in sport, and a reminder of how far the women’s game has come.

“Seeing elite female athletes take centre stage in regional NSW sends a strong message to young girls that they belong on the field, in the stands, in leadership roles and in every part of the sporting community.

“This weekend is about more than great Rugby League, it is about visibility, opportunity and pride, and showing the next generation what is possible when women’s sport is backed and celebrated.”

Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:

“Wagga Wagga has a proud sporting culture, and it is fantastic to see our city hosting the NRLW Magic Round and welcoming elite women’s Rugby League to the Riverina.

“The NRLW Magic Round will be a wonderful showcase for Wagga Wagga, not only as a passionate sporting city but as a place with the venues, volunteers and community spirit to host major events.

“I encourage locals to come along, bring family and friends, and be part of what will be a memorable weekend of Rugby League in Wagga Wagga.”