Suncorp Stadium to host NRL Magic Round in 2019

All 16 NRL clubs will play the inaugural Magic Round at Brisbane’s Suncorp stadium in 2019.

The concept will see Round Nine of next year’s NRL Premiership played over three days from May 10-12.

In an announcement over the weekend, the agreement with the NRL is expected to pump more than $60 million into the Queensland economy and generate 300,000 room nights before the start of next season’s State of Origin series.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said she is confident the sporting spectacle will be a winner.

“Every single decision that we make … is to ensure that we drive the visitor economy,” she said.

“We use the same formula to assess all events and if we don’t get visitor nights then we don’t buy in.

“We’re very confident that because this is a landmark game for the NRL … that we will absolutely deliver on our commitment to the taxpayers of Queensland and Brisbane.

“We will only support events where we can drive visitor nights … we know that the Magic Round will deliver magic to the economy.”

In a first for the NRL, chief executive Todd Greenberg said the Magic Round would “showcase our game and create a festival-like occasion”.

“We have seen the success of double headers in recent seasons, but this takes the concept to another level,” Greenberg said.

“There are enormous benefits to a full round in the one location.

“Obviously, there will be significant exposure for such a unique round and it will be a wonderful promotion for all our clubs.”

The full schedule for NRL Brisbane Magic Round will be announced through the release of the 2019 NRL draw later this year.