As a die-hard rugby league fan, it’s always in my best interests that the game goes to new lengths each and every season in order to better itself for the loyal fans.
While the NRL remains superior over the English Super League (ESL) in terms of quality of competition, there are definitely a few things that the Aussies can borrow from their English counterparts.
One thing I’d love to see the NRL do is hold is a Magic Weekend each season.
For those who don’t know, every year the ESL hold an entire round of footy at the same venue, with a carnival like atmosphere similar to that of the Auckland Nines or cricket’s Big Bash League.
The Magic Weekend not only gives fans and players a unique game experience but it also promotes the game of rugby league. Over the past 10 seasons, it has had provided some good results, with plenty of positive feedback.
Realistically, the NRL should hold it’s own Magic Weekend at a venue like ANZ Stadium, Suncorp Stadium or even the MCG to promote the game in AFL heartland.
One of these big stadiums would be perfect to bring in a huge crowd and provide an amazing atmosphere. Preferably it would be scheduled on a long weekend which would allow fans to attend a whole day on Sunday without leaving early.
Imagine a schedule like this:
Saturday
Game 1: 2pm Knights vs Sea Eagles
Game 2: 4pm Dragons vs Roosters
Game 3: 6pm Raiders vs Panthers
Game 4: 8pm Storm vs Warriors
Sunday
Game 1: Titans vs Sharks
Game 2: Tigers vs Rabbitohs
Game 3: Eels vs Bulldogs
Game 4: Cowboys vs Broncos
With all the competitions’ big guns in one arena, there wouldn’t be much reason not not attend, barring possible travel costs. As a Sydney-sider I know I’d definitely buy tickets to both days should it be held at ANZ, and I know a lot of people would agree with me.
I have no doubt in my mind that if the NRL organised and advertised a Magic Weekend properly, it could be one of the most anticipated events in the rugby league calendar. It would be a great asset for the NRL in terms of promotion and expanding the game and would make plenty of fans happy.
Should the NRL adopt a Magic Weekend? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Jim
Guest
Love the idea! Have been wanting this for the NRL for some time too. Like many Kiwi fans I would be prepared to travel to any Aus location to see all the NRL teams in one location, see all the clubs and their stars in one location over a long weekend as I'm sure many Aussie fans would too. Two games on Friday, 3 Sat and Sun would make the trip well worth it and should appease the broadcasters.
Chris
Guest
Juts have 9 a side Rugby and have NRL, NSW and QLD sides.
QConners
Roar Pro
It's a good idea, however I think the Auckland Nines provides an adequate enough 'carnival-like' event for the NRL. Broadcasters want games scheduled across the whole of the weekend and it's true money does talk. Also I think it's important to note; how would the quality of the ground look come the last game in 2 days? As a coach, I certainly wouldn't want my team playing on that field.
Christov
Guest
The problem with that is that it then becomes less of a show piece event. It would be likely that you would have players rested from origin and it would be seen as a 2nd class event. Again I like the concept but making it work in a NRL context is quite difficult.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Just a general question stevo, why do you always put people's names in quotation marks?
Up the Wahs
Roar Guru
a proper Super Saturday featuring four or five games 2pm kick off, then 4 in QLD or wherever and so on. Having said that fans at one of the stadiums might have two hours without a game, which is why they should have big screens outside with fanzone stuff. Make it a carnival like atmosphere outside. Not perfect but just a thought
Christov
Guest
Just like Super Saturday on Fox?
Up the Wahs
Roar Guru
Maybe splitting them between two areas could work out well, with a game kicking off at the other stadium once one game has finished. I don't quite agree with the suggested fixtures. Storm and Warriors produce huge crowds at each others stadium. Roosters V Dragons might be a good flipside fixture to ANZAC day. Knights usually record strong numbers against Manly. Eels V Dogs and Cowboys V Broncos produce huge crowds on their own so I wouldn't put them against each other.
Up the Wahs
Roar Guru
He played for them on Monday
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I'd prefer the World Club Series to stay in the UK for now. But NRL double-headers in Perth sounds interesting.
Hanrahan
Guest
Agree to the concept of playing games in non-traditional areas. How about the World Club Challenge being played in Perth?
Tom of Brisbane
Guest
So play on Friday. 2 Friday, 3 Saturday, 3 Sunday
steveng
Roar Rookie
When will 'Will Hopoate' be playing for the Dogs? It looks like he's had a long time off as the Dogs have been playing on a Sunday lately.
andrew
Guest
I hate double headers and events with multiple games played by different clubs. yes you can get a lot of people in the building but it has no atmosphere because a large chunk of the people don't care what is happening on the field except during their game. All you get is a constant murmur and a changing small section getting excited from time to time. They don't get out of their seats as one for a try or rip the ref all together for a crappy ten metres. So no thank you, I wouldn't go.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
It would possibly work well for an Origin weekend when they don't tend to play on Thursdays or Mondays, but yeah lack of Friday Footy would be an issue.
Christov
Guest
No game on Thursday/Friday/Monday nights? Forget it, the almighty $ will ensure it never happens. No one cares about the fans, they only care about their $. EDIT: I do like the concept and idea though - but I just can't see it going past Fox and Nine....
Baracuda
Guest
It would not be worth holding the event in Sydney or Brisbane. The super league created the magic weekend to showcase the game in non traditional areas. Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester and Newcastle have all hosted and the NRL should target AFL cities if it was going to eventuate. The new Perth stadium could be a potential location.
Richard Maybury
Guest
One Word DISTANCE