The Queensland government has confirmed that Magic Round will remain in Brisbane until the end of 2032, much to the joy of league great Andrew Johns.
The future of Magic Round had sparked intrigue in the NRL world in recent weeks amid reports bids from alternative venues across the country, and across the Tasman, were beginning to emerge.
But despite interest from alternative venues, Queensland premier David Crisafulli has secured a deal with the NRL to seal the future of the event in Brisbane.
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“I told Queenslanders we would stare down those other states and get this deal done and now Magic Round is secured for Queensland for the next six years,” Crisafulli said.
“It’s a really big deal.”
The annual festival sees 16 teams face off at Suncorp Stadium over the course of three days, with the women’s State of Origin kicking off the event on Thursday evening.
As the game continues to grow, there is no doubt that alternative venues will again be floated to replace Brisbane as a host venue.
Johns is unsure that many of the potential options are suitable for Magic Round.
“Leave it in Brisbane, it is perfect up there,” he said on Nine’s Freddy and the Eighth.
“It seems to work. The stadium is close to the city. Everything is close to the city.”
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Brad Fittler replied: “Western Australia would be good … it would be all day games.
“Optus Stadium would work. You could do it in Perth and it would work a treat. It is a massive ground, like Suncorp.”
Johns conceded his biggest issue with Perth as a host venue was the field itself.
“Oval (field)? You want to play on a rectangle and be close to the field (as a fan),” he said.
Fittler replied: ”It would be nice, though.
“We need to get over there and get some fans. For the game, it is well and truly worth it to take it to Optus. It is a brilliant (precinct).”
Nine’s Danika Mason then flagged the possibility of the event moving to New Zealand.
“Maybe Eden Park,” Johns said while considering alternative options.
“Eden Park would be the place to take it. They would absolutely love it the Kiwis.”
Fittler interjected: ”The games would be on at 10 o’clock at night.”
The NRL’s Magic Round will kick off on Friday.
