St George Illawarra are set to be the unlucky 17th team left out of Magic Round, with the Dragons slated to set out the big weekend in Brisbane.
The NRL is set to reveal the full fixture list for the 2024 season early next week, but leaks in the Daily Telegraph have revealed that it will be Shane Flanagan’s men missing from Magic after Newcastle sat out 2023’s event.
The fixtures are repored to be Parramatta v Melbourne, Manly v Brisbane, Canberra v Canterbury, Tigers v Dolphins, Cowboys v Souths, Cronulla v Roosters, Warriors v Penrith and the Titans v Newcastle.
That would be in line with previous years: Manly have generally taken their game against the Broncos to Magic – ceding home advantage in the process – and Cronulla and the Wests Tigers have also chosen to take the cash bonus that comes with being at home for Magic.
Three of the fixtures from 2023 will repeat, with the Bulldogs and Raiders and Warriors and Panthers both clashing again as well as Manly and Brisbane.
“Not playing at Magic Round doesn’t concern me that much,” said new Dragons coach Flanagan.
“It’s disappointing for our fan base. We have a big fan base in and around Brisbane. We play the Titans and Dolphins so I’d expect a lot of the fans will get an opportunity to see their Dragons play. Whilst part of me is disappointed, the rest of me says move on and what’s next.
“When you get the draw it’s about looking at the turnarounds and if you have a block against the top three or four teams. You look at how much travel you have to do and what it’s like through Origin.
“I’m looking forward to coaching against Cronulla and especially getting back to Shark Park. We won a few games there and I plan on winning a few more.”
Redcap
Roar Guru
Dunno - they played (and lost) at the 'Cliff last season - that's just about an overnight trip from my place.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Don't lose hope. They might still come to Lang Park to lose to the Dolphins in a different round.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Unproven =/= dodgy
Nat
Roar Guru
Wow you would have been popular. Hope they paid for the "waitress". We used to park up at the GC Hotel balcony. Same about losing interest. I like the live V8s but it's not like it was.
andrew
Roar Rookie
Sure did. I lived on the track in Surfers. Never realised I had so many friends when Indy was on( free tickets for residents ) :laughing: I lost interest when the Indy cars went.
Nat
Roar Guru
Did you ever go when they had the Indy cars? That was a debaucherous weekend?
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Homebush is in Western Sydney. That’s really good thinking! :thumbup:
Tez
Roar Rookie
yep who cares
andrew
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
andrew
Roar Rookie
It's a close call between the Dragons and Rabbitohs supporters whenever they play the Broncos at Suncorp.
andrew
Roar Rookie
Don't forget the GC Supercars a couple of weeks ago, otherwise known as schoolies for adults.
andrew
Roar Rookie
I agree Robbo. As much as I like the atmosphere in Brisbane I only go to watch the Dragons and I usually stay for the other games on the day they play.
Robbo
Roar Rookie
I do love a conspiracy theory but that one is next level
Robbo
Roar Rookie
Not bad..
Robbo
Roar Rookie
A lot of them got on board the hype when they were reinstated. That's ok though....
Robbo
Roar Rookie
Yep Western Sydney would be a master stroke for example
Robbo
Roar Rookie
I only go on the day that the Dragons play and only really stay for that match. Truth is that games are better on the telly so unless you're watching your own team with your 'people' might as well be at home
Nat
Roar Guru
Schoolie, Tooly, Kiwi, Bikie, Junkie, Blondie otherwise known as the collective noun - influencer.
Nat
Roar Guru
Yeah Souths would be close. Maybe just the white stands out more.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Is Magic around a benefit for the teams though? Especially since half lose a home game. For some it would be a genuine negative