Magic Round is up next as the 2024 NRL season begins to pick up speed.
But what exactly happens during this popular week of footy?
The Sporting News explains.
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What is Magic Round? Explaining the NRL's festival of footy
During Magic Round, every game is played at the same venue.
The event is a popular one with fans, giving them the ability to watch an entire round of rugby league in an action-packed weekend.
In 2024, 16 teams will play in eight matches at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
The event will span for three days – Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19.
Two matches will be held on the Friday before a trio of games on both Saturday and Sunday.
The format made its NRL debut in 2019, with Suncorp Stadium hosting the inaugural event
It was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19, but returned for 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Notably, the NRL is not the first competition to implement the Magic Round format, with the Super League debuting the concept in 2007 when 12 teams played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Why is it called Magic Round?
The round name appears to be derived from the Super League's 'Magic Weekend'.
Magic Round 2024: Fixtures, schedule
| Date | Time [AEST] | Fixture |
| Fri. May 17 | 6:00 pm | Raiders vs. Bulldogs |
| Fri. May 17 | 8:05 pm | Sea Eagles vs. Broncos |
| Sat. May 18 | 3:00 pm | Titans vs. Knights |
| Sat. May 18 | 5:30 pm | Sharks vs. Roosters |
| Sat. May 18 | 7:45 pm | Rabbitohs vs. Cowboys |
| Sun. May 19 | 1:50 pm | Warriors vs. Panthers |
| Sun. May 19 | 4:05 pm | Storm vs. Eels |
| Sun. May 19 | 6:25 pm | Tigers vs. Dolphins |
Does Magic Round exist in other sports?
Yes, the 'Magic Round' concept has become rather popular in recent years.
The AFL hold a 'Gather Round', Super Rugby hosts a 'Super Round' and the A-Leagues has a 'Unite Round'.
All follow the general principle of hosting every game of a round at a single stadium or in one city.