The introduction of Magic Round to the NRLW will be a “big thing” for the current and future generations of players, says Canberra Raiders centre Mackenzie Wiki.
The inaugural NRLW Magic Round will be held this weekend. All 12 teams will descend on Newcastle for a historic festival of rugby league in round 5, with six games to be played across two days at McDonald Jones Stadium on 2 and 3 August.
The Raiders will take on the Newcastle Knights on Sunday 3 August at 1:45pm.
Wiki said the introduction of Magic Round in the NRLW was a major step forward.
“It feels really awesome. The past few years, we’ve seen Magic Round with the boys and it’s such a great atmosphere,” Wiki told CD.
“So I think for the women it’s going to be a really big thing for us and for the younger generations coming through.”
Wiki said it would help promote the women’s league with the exposure being the biggest impact for all the teams.
“A lot of the teams play after each other all at the one stadium,” she said.
“It’s easier for people to come and watch physically and watch it on the tele (television).
“I know the stadium’s a really big stadium and it will be a good weekend of footy.”
Wiki replied, ‘Why not?’ when CD asked why Canberra Raiders fans should travel to Newcastle for the round.
“I know we’ve got a lot to prove, especially from the past few weeks; they haven’t been great.
“But I think this week will be a very big opportunity for us to showcase our talent and to show our fans that we do it for them.”
Wiki said she was most looking forward to seeing all the fans come together and catching up with all her friends from other teams.
Unfortunately, the Raiders are unable to hold any fan events while in Newcastle because they arrive on the Saturday afternoon after their Captain’s Run and leave straight after the game on Sunday.
However, for anyone interested in delving into the whole Magic Round experience, there will be the inaugural Rising Talent Invitational, a Red Bull aerobatic display and energy zone, a kick for kids for one lucky fan, a NSW Government activation zone, a beauty salon, a catch and keep zone, and a Bluey and Bingo live experience.
Fans will also be allowed to go onto the field following the last game on Sunday.
The NRLW Raiders side has had a tough start to the season with no wins since the season kicked off at GIO Stadium Canberra on 5 July.
Canberra Daily would love to hear from you about a story idea in Canberra and the surrounding region. Click here to submit a news tip.
Feeling social? Follow Canberra Daily: Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter) | Tik Tok | YouTube
