NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
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NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
Gees sounds like a lot of work to do when you see South Australia is already getting double the amount of money from their AFL Gather Round. Is Magic Round getting stale?
NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
https://www.codesports.com.au/subscribe ... -1-NOSCORE
The NRL is in a race to “reimagine” its showpiece annual Magic Round in Brisbane, as Adelaide toasts its $114m AFL Gather Round juggernaut this weekend.
The AFL copied the concept of holding all games in one home-and-away round in a single city from the NRL in 2023 — but in just three years it now brings in double the amount of money for South Australia than what Magic Round does for Queensland.
Queensland’s deal for Magic Round, which began in 2019, is set to run until 2027.
Events guru Tony Cochrane believes the showpiece can be “reimagined” to rival the AFL’s festival.
It is understood some major additions are being planned for this year’s event, including a four-day closure of Caxton Street to create a festival environment in the precinct, with activations across almost 20 sites throughout the city.
Additionally, Tourism Events Queensland confirmed it had sent an observer to Adelaide ahead of Gather Round.
Mr Cochrane, a former chairman of the Gold Coast Suns AFL team and the man credited with turning the Supercars racing series into a powerhouse of Australian sport, is also the state’s new “special envoy” for major events.
He said Magic Round could bring in new ideas and initiatives, including the possibility of taking games beyond Suncorp Stadium to broaden the event’s reach, as Gather Round does with matches in suburban Adelaide and even the Barossa Valley.
Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin said the success of Magic Round showed it did not need to copy the AFL product.
“While Gather Round might have some elements that are worth looking at, Magic Round is a wonderful event,” he said.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
https://www.codesports.com.au/subscribe ... -1-NOSCORE
The NRL is in a race to “reimagine” its showpiece annual Magic Round in Brisbane, as Adelaide toasts its $114m AFL Gather Round juggernaut this weekend.
The AFL copied the concept of holding all games in one home-and-away round in a single city from the NRL in 2023 — but in just three years it now brings in double the amount of money for South Australia than what Magic Round does for Queensland.
Queensland’s deal for Magic Round, which began in 2019, is set to run until 2027.
Events guru Tony Cochrane believes the showpiece can be “reimagined” to rival the AFL’s festival.
It is understood some major additions are being planned for this year’s event, including a four-day closure of Caxton Street to create a festival environment in the precinct, with activations across almost 20 sites throughout the city.
Additionally, Tourism Events Queensland confirmed it had sent an observer to Adelaide ahead of Gather Round.
Mr Cochrane, a former chairman of the Gold Coast Suns AFL team and the man credited with turning the Supercars racing series into a powerhouse of Australian sport, is also the state’s new “special envoy” for major events.
He said Magic Round could bring in new ideas and initiatives, including the possibility of taking games beyond Suncorp Stadium to broaden the event’s reach, as Gather Round does with matches in suburban Adelaide and even the Barossa Valley.
Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin said the success of Magic Round showed it did not need to copy the AFL product.
“While Gather Round might have some elements that are worth looking at, Magic Round is a wonderful event,” he said.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Re: NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
Haha!! The NRL goes to Las Vegas USA. The AFL goes to..............ummmm................oh...........yeah...........drum roll.........Adelaide lolololololololol!!!!!!!!!!! A hick country town in the middle of a desert. Last time I was there the joint was closed. You can get accommodation for 10 bucks a night at sookies backpacker joint. I'm sure they're gonna bring in millions to the local....ummmm......'economy' with offerings like that lololol.
Its great they're copying Australia's most watched sport though beatup. Obviously they're trying to revive the failing mess. I'd suggest they also copy a few NRL rules. How about a knock-on and off-side rule to eradicate the incessant fumbling mess. Also get rid of the child like punching the football thingy. Its ridiculous. And teach the whitey private school educated boyos to tackle properly. The tippy, taggy, slapping routine is just embarrassing.
There ya go. Just fixed up the whole mess in one post.
Its great they're copying Australia's most watched sport though beatup. Obviously they're trying to revive the failing mess. I'd suggest they also copy a few NRL rules. How about a knock-on and off-side rule to eradicate the incessant fumbling mess. Also get rid of the child like punching the football thingy. Its ridiculous. And teach the whitey private school educated boyos to tackle properly. The tippy, taggy, slapping routine is just embarrassing.
There ya go. Just fixed up the whole mess in one post.
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makingnrlfansgowacko
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Re: NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
Temu Pete is after the gambling money from vegas, he even had a sook about the set up about how the system works over there. there was an article about this in one of the NRL in USA threads about a month backTerry wrote: Fri Apr 10, 2026 8:55 amHaha!! The NRL goes to Las Vegas USA. The AFL goes to..............ummmm................oh...........yeah...........drum roll.........Adelaide lolololololololol!!!!!!!!!!! A hick country town in the middle of a desert. Last time I was there the joint was closed. You can get accommodation for 10 bucks a night at sookies backpacker joint. I'm sure they're gonna bring in millions to the local....ummmm......'economy' with offerings like that lololol.
Its great they're copying Australia's most watched sport though beatup. Obviously they're trying to revive the failing mess. I'd suggest they also copy a few NRL rules. How about a knock-on and off-side rule to eradicate the incessant fumbling mess. Also get rid of the child like punching the football thingy. Its ridiculous. And teach the whitey private school educated boyos to tackle properly. The tippy, taggy, slapping routine is just embarrassing.
There ya go. Just fixed up the whole mess in one post.
Mr Temu Pete has also been cooking the books with the numbers with the magic round numbers by posting the numbers for the total day and listening them for each game making the numbers far larger than what they really are. this looks great at the time and on paper but not so for the finances, as we see now its not such a great success after all
in the AFL of the AFL, so what if some of the event is in a country town, it means they have to accommodate and all players travel out there, set up a small venue, cover all the risks required for insurance purposes, the venue is smaller meaning less people being able to pay and view the game.
Basically the NRL event is a dud and AFLs a success, so it has you resorting to insults and racism
- leeroy*NRL*
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Re: NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
total different set upBeaussie wrote: Fri Apr 10, 2026 3:17 amGees sounds like a lot of work to do when you see South Australia is already getting double the amount of money from their AFL Gather Round. Is Magic Round getting stale?
NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
https://www.codesports.com.au/subscribe ... -1-NOSCORE
The NRL is in a race to “reimagine” its showpiece annual Magic Round in Brisbane, as Adelaide toasts its $114m AFL Gather Round juggernaut this weekend.
The AFL copied the concept of holding all games in one home-and-away round in a single city from the NRL in 2023 — but in just three years it now brings in double the amount of money for South Australia than what Magic Round does for Queensland.
Queensland’s deal for Magic Round, which began in 2019, is set to run until 2027.
Events guru Tony Cochrane believes the showpiece can be “reimagined” to rival the AFL’s festival.
It is understood some major additions are being planned for this year’s event, including a four-day closure of Caxton Street to create a festival environment in the precinct, with activations across almost 20 sites throughout the city.
Additionally, Tourism Events Queensland confirmed it had sent an observer to Adelaide ahead of Gather Round.
Mr Cochrane, a former chairman of the Gold Coast Suns AFL team and the man credited with turning the Supercars racing series into a powerhouse of Australian sport, is also the state’s new “special envoy” for major events.
He said Magic Round could bring in new ideas and initiatives, including the possibility of taking games beyond Suncorp Stadium to broaden the event’s reach, as Gather Round does with matches in suburban Adelaide and even the Barossa Valley.
Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin said the success of Magic Round showed it did not need to copy the AFL product.
“While Gather Round might have some elements that are worth looking at, Magic Round is a wonderful event,” he said.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
NRL sell out the 3 days total 150k fans
AFL get like 250k fans spread out over an extra day and alot more venues.
MAGIC ROUND is bigger than ever has been..
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makingnrlfansgowacko
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Re: NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
Yes the NRL one should be profitable, one stadium in capital city to host the games and accommodate teamsleeroy*NRL* wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 1:07 pmtotal different set upBeaussie wrote: Fri Apr 10, 2026 3:17 amGees sounds like a lot of work to do when you see South Australia is already getting double the amount of money from their AFL Gather Round. Is Magic Round getting stale?
NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
https://www.codesports.com.au/subscribe ... -1-NOSCORE
The NRL is in a race to “reimagine” its showpiece annual Magic Round in Brisbane, as Adelaide toasts its $114m AFL Gather Round juggernaut this weekend.
The AFL copied the concept of holding all games in one home-and-away round in a single city from the NRL in 2023 — but in just three years it now brings in double the amount of money for South Australia than what Magic Round does for Queensland.
Queensland’s deal for Magic Round, which began in 2019, is set to run until 2027.
Events guru Tony Cochrane believes the showpiece can be “reimagined” to rival the AFL’s festival.
It is understood some major additions are being planned for this year’s event, including a four-day closure of Caxton Street to create a festival environment in the precinct, with activations across almost 20 sites throughout the city.
Additionally, Tourism Events Queensland confirmed it had sent an observer to Adelaide ahead of Gather Round.
Mr Cochrane, a former chairman of the Gold Coast Suns AFL team and the man credited with turning the Supercars racing series into a powerhouse of Australian sport, is also the state’s new “special envoy” for major events.
He said Magic Round could bring in new ideas and initiatives, including the possibility of taking games beyond Suncorp Stadium to broaden the event’s reach, as Gather Round does with matches in suburban Adelaide and even the Barossa Valley.
Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin said the success of Magic Round showed it did not need to copy the AFL product.
“While Gather Round might have some elements that are worth looking at, Magic Round is a wonderful event,” he said.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
NRL sell out the 3 days total 150k fans
AFL get like 250k fans spread out over an extra day and alot more venues.
MAGIC ROUND is bigger than ever has been..
The AFL several different venues and locations, temporary venues, needed for set up and safety improvements for public and insurance purposes to pass standard to host games, the teams need to travel and stay in those towns, far more difficult, through logistics, infrastructure and insurance purposes in what the AFL does.
TEMU Pete’s magic round is far more easier and cheaper to implement. His issue is he counts 3 times more people go through the gates doesn’t come up in the financial statements.
Cooking the books will only get you so far as Mr Temu V Landys has just found out
Re: NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
I have always failed to see why it is an issue if one code or business is doing something why it is a bad thing to copy it - I think it would be neglectful not to. AFL copied Magic round concept - a great idea. The AFL is doing it slightly differently - and if this benefits the concept of Magic round in Brisbane - why wouldn't the NRL copy that - and may be improve on it.
Personally, I think QLD Gov could cash it by making it more expansive across areas - a game on gold coast or two - most games at the Suncorp - but also a game out at West, one in Logan, Redlands (Dolphins) and one at Sunshine coast. Could even do one at Toowoomba or somewhere like (link in flights to airport out there). Think if this went well would bring a lot of tourism to the area whilst not impacting Brisbane.
Personally, I think QLD Gov could cash it by making it more expansive across areas - a game on gold coast or two - most games at the Suncorp - but also a game out at West, one in Logan, Redlands (Dolphins) and one at Sunshine coast. Could even do one at Toowoomba or somewhere like (link in flights to airport out there). Think if this went well would bring a lot of tourism to the area whilst not impacting Brisbane.
Veni, vidi, vici
- leeroy*NRL*
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Re: NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
I could see the NRL doing something like how AFL do it, down the track...Fred wrote: Tue Apr 14, 2026 2:36 pmI have always failed to see why it is an issue if one code or business is doing something why it is a bad thing to copy it - I think it would be neglectful not to. AFL copied Magic round concept - a great idea. The AFL is doing it slightly differently - and if this benefits the concept of Magic round in Brisbane - why wouldn't the NRL copy that - and may be improve on it.
Personally, I think QLD Gov could cash it by making it more expansive across areas - a game on gold coast or two - most games at the Suncorp - but also a game out at West, one in Logan, Redlands (Dolphins) and one at Sunshine coast. Could even do one at Toowoomba or somewhere like (link in flights to airport out there). Think if this went well would bring a lot of tourism to the area whilst not impacting Brisbane.
especially with more teams coming into the COMP
and also with A 5th QLD team a possibility
becoming the 20th team
it will be too many games at one stadium soon..
it could most certainly be split be between 3 stadiums like you have stated.
With the likes of Sunshine Coast Stadium being renovated
i like the Toowoomba Idea (that country feeling)
with these idea's you would likely see the QLD Government paying more for the event
3 stadiums would be perfect>>
Suncorp for the City
Sunshine Coast
Toowoomba
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makingnrlfansgowacko
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Re: NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
as in the NRL put on a more expensive version of the event and lose more money?leeroy*NRL* wrote: Tue Apr 14, 2026 6:06 pmI could see the NRL doing something like how AFL do it, down the track...Fred wrote: Tue Apr 14, 2026 2:36 pmI have always failed to see why it is an issue if one code or business is doing something why it is a bad thing to copy it - I think it would be neglectful not to. AFL copied Magic round concept - a great idea. The AFL is doing it slightly differently - and if this benefits the concept of Magic round in Brisbane - why wouldn't the NRL copy that - and may be improve on it.
Personally, I think QLD Gov could cash it by making it more expansive across areas - a game on gold coast or two - most games at the Suncorp - but also a game out at West, one in Logan, Redlands (Dolphins) and one at Sunshine coast. Could even do one at Toowoomba or somewhere like (link in flights to airport out there). Think if this went well would bring a lot of tourism to the area whilst not impacting Brisbane.
especially with more teams coming into the COMP
and also with A 5th QLD team a possibility
becoming the 20th team
it will be too many games at one stadium soon..
it could most certainly be split be between 3 stadiums like you have stated.
With the likes of Sunshine Coast Stadium being renovated
i like the Toowoomba Idea (that country feeling)
with these idea's you would likely see the QLD Government paying more for the event
3 stadiums would be perfect>>
Suncorp for the City
Sunshine Coast
Toowoomba
- Beaussie
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Re: NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
270,000 fans reported for the AFL Gather Round last weekend, that included official NRL observers. I think the NRL will copy a few ideas from what they saw in Adelaide. They would be silly not to.leeroy*NRL* wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 1:07 pmtotal different set upBeaussie wrote: Fri Apr 10, 2026 3:17 amGees sounds like a lot of work to do when you see South Australia is already getting double the amount of money from their AFL Gather Round. Is Magic Round getting stale?
NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
https://www.codesports.com.au/subscribe ... -1-NOSCORE
The NRL is in a race to “reimagine” its showpiece annual Magic Round in Brisbane, as Adelaide toasts its $114m AFL Gather Round juggernaut this weekend.
The AFL copied the concept of holding all games in one home-and-away round in a single city from the NRL in 2023 — but in just three years it now brings in double the amount of money for South Australia than what Magic Round does for Queensland.
Queensland’s deal for Magic Round, which began in 2019, is set to run until 2027.
Events guru Tony Cochrane believes the showpiece can be “reimagined” to rival the AFL’s festival.
It is understood some major additions are being planned for this year’s event, including a four-day closure of Caxton Street to create a festival environment in the precinct, with activations across almost 20 sites throughout the city.
Additionally, Tourism Events Queensland confirmed it had sent an observer to Adelaide ahead of Gather Round.
Mr Cochrane, a former chairman of the Gold Coast Suns AFL team and the man credited with turning the Supercars racing series into a powerhouse of Australian sport, is also the state’s new “special envoy” for major events.
He said Magic Round could bring in new ideas and initiatives, including the possibility of taking games beyond Suncorp Stadium to broaden the event’s reach, as Gather Round does with matches in suburban Adelaide and even the Barossa Valley.
Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin said the success of Magic Round showed it did not need to copy the AFL product.
“While Gather Round might have some elements that are worth looking at, Magic Round is a wonderful event,” he said.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
NRL sell out the 3 days total 150k fans
AFL get like 250k fans spread out over an extra day and alot more venues.
MAGIC ROUND is bigger than ever has been..
Re: NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
Yeah, I'm sure the NRL will beatup. I think it was a great idea to take games out to some one hick desert towns with grounds that hold a few thousand fans. It looked great on TV. Genius stuff. They managed to lower the avg round crowds by 80k. It takes real skill to do that pal.Beaussie wrote: Thu Apr 16, 2026 6:46 am270,000 fans reported for the AFL Gather Round last weekend, that included official NRL observers. I think the NRL will copy a few ideas from what they saw in Adelaide. They would be silly not to.leeroy*NRL* wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 1:07 pmtotal different set upBeaussie wrote: Fri Apr 10, 2026 3:17 amGees sounds like a lot of work to do when you see South Australia is already getting double the amount of money from their AFL Gather Round. Is Magic Round getting stale?
NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
https://www.codesports.com.au/subscribe ... -1-NOSCORE
The NRL is in a race to “reimagine” its showpiece annual Magic Round in Brisbane, as Adelaide toasts its $114m AFL Gather Round juggernaut this weekend.
The AFL copied the concept of holding all games in one home-and-away round in a single city from the NRL in 2023 — but in just three years it now brings in double the amount of money for South Australia than what Magic Round does for Queensland.
Queensland’s deal for Magic Round, which began in 2019, is set to run until 2027.
Events guru Tony Cochrane believes the showpiece can be “reimagined” to rival the AFL’s festival.
It is understood some major additions are being planned for this year’s event, including a four-day closure of Caxton Street to create a festival environment in the precinct, with activations across almost 20 sites throughout the city.
Additionally, Tourism Events Queensland confirmed it had sent an observer to Adelaide ahead of Gather Round.
Mr Cochrane, a former chairman of the Gold Coast Suns AFL team and the man credited with turning the Supercars racing series into a powerhouse of Australian sport, is also the state’s new “special envoy” for major events.
He said Magic Round could bring in new ideas and initiatives, including the possibility of taking games beyond Suncorp Stadium to broaden the event’s reach, as Gather Round does with matches in suburban Adelaide and even the Barossa Valley.
Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin said the success of Magic Round showed it did not need to copy the AFL product.
“While Gather Round might have some elements that are worth looking at, Magic Round is a wonderful event,” he said.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
NRL sell out the 3 days total 150k fans
AFL get like 250k fans spread out over an extra day and alot more venues.
MAGIC ROUND is bigger than ever has been..
The take away is the NRL will know what not to do. Well done the Big Dill. Well done AFL.
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Re: NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
270,000 fans for the AFL Gather Round
150,000 fans for the NRL Magic Round
150,000 fans for the NRL Magic Round
Re: NRL in race to reimagine Magic Round as rival AFL event doubles profits
Terry wrote: Thu Apr 16, 2026 10:14 amYeah, I'm sure the NRL will beatup. I think it was a great idea to take games out to some one hick desert towns with grounds that hold a few thousand fans. It looked great on TV. Genius stuff. They managed to lower the avg round crowds by 80k. It takes real skill to do that pal.Beaussie wrote: Thu Apr 16, 2026 6:46 am270,000 fans reported for the AFL Gather Round last weekend, that included official NRL observers. I think the NRL will copy a few ideas from what they saw in Adelaide. They would be silly not to.leeroy*NRL* wrote: Sun Apr 12, 2026 1:07 pm
total different set up
NRL sell out the 3 days total 150k fans
AFL get like 250k fans spread out over an extra day and alot more venues.
MAGIC ROUND is bigger than ever has been..
The take away is the NRL will know what not to do. Well done the Big Dill. Well done AFL.
I think the Barossa games have been a boom for the local community there. Not always about crowds - I think it is a selling point for more cash from SA government.
Veni, vidi, vici
