The NSWRL will make history in 2025 when it holds the first Regional Magic Round in Tamworth, which will feature nine games, 18 teams and 306 players over three days in May.
The announcement was made today by NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden, Wests Tamworth Chief Communications Officer Paddy Donnelly and Group 4 Chair Lad Jones at Scully Park in West Tamworth, which will host the event in 2025.
The festival of Rugby League will be held on 9-11 May, with a full round of the Group 4 competition and five matches of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup on Saturday and Sunday.
“The NSWRL is looking forward to hosting the 2025 NSWRL Regional Magic Round in Tamworth to acknowledge the wonderful contribution that Regional NSW has made to our great game for more than a century,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.
“There will be a lot of work involved to successfully execute the three-day event and I thank Wests Tamworth for their support in making it happen. The Group 4 competition will be showcased around five games of the state’s premier competition, The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.
“There will be other activations and events for families to enjoy and I encourage everyone from the region to come along next year and show their support.”
The NSWRL has held Magic Rounds in previous seasons at iconic Rugby League grounds including Henson Park and North Sydney Oval, but 2025 will be the first time the event is held in regional NSW.
Group 4 teams Werris Creek Magpies and Gunnedah Bulldogs will kick-off proceedings on Friday night, with the other games to be played including Narrabri Blues v Kootingal-Moonbi Roosters, Moree Boars v Dungowan Cowboys and Boggabri Kangaroos v North Tamworth Bears.
The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup matches include Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters, Newcastle Knights v North Sydney Bears, Newtown Jets v St George Illawarra Dragons, Parramatta Eels v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Penrith Panthers v Western Suburbs Magpies.
The three-day event will also include a Sportsman’s Lunch to be attended by True Blues and the local community, and other activations including Rugby League clinics, school visits and the Changing Rooms Mental Fitness community program.
Wests Tamworth Chief Communications Officer Paddy Donnelly said the 2025 Regional Magic Round was a great result for the area.
“The Wests Entertainment Group is proud to partner with NSWRL and Group 4 to bring their Regional Magic Round to Tamworth,” Donnelly said.
“This event highlights the Group’s commitment to delivering the best live experiences for our community and marks an exciting opportunity to strengthen our relationship with NSWRL, while showcasing the region’s love for Rugby League.”
Group 4 Chair Lad Jones said he expected the event to be well supported by local communities.
“It is really great news for the region; it will attract a lot of people and bring great exposure for Rugby League within the area,” Jones said.
“Having Group 4 first grade included as well is nothing but great news; it will bring great exposure to our competition and enable Group 4 to be front and centre to showcase the great player talent in our area.
“Wests are a massive supporter of Group 4 Rugby League and Rugby League in the wider region and have been for a lot of years.
“It is exciting for them and NSWRL to bring such a massive event to Tamworth and to allow our competition to share the weekend at a premier Rugby League venue in Scully Park.”
