While the weather may have put a slight dampener on the weekend with wild storms playing havoc in the stands, the action of the field for the first official NRLW Magic Round was electric.
Despite two forced stoppages due to lightning during the event - the players were able to put aside the interruption and put on a show for the hardy fans who braved the big wet.
From a superstars of the game who can shine in all conditions to a debut to remember, here are four stand-out performances will remembered for many years to come.
The Magicians of NRLW Magic Round 2025
Tamika Upton (Broncos v Sharks)
Brisbane Broncos superstar fullback Tamika Upton stole the show in the opening day of Magic Round, despite a storm-induced break in play forcing players off the field. While lightning may have struck twice during Saturday's games, Upton struck three times, crossing for a hat-trick as her side proved too good for the Sharks in their 28-14 win. The 2025 Dally M Medal winner also posted a try assist in an impressive attacking display.
Tamika on top
Ivana Lauitiiti (Cowboys v Warriors)
Rising young Warriors star Ivana Lauitiiti had an NRLW debut to remember at Magic Round, emulating the feats of her famous father - Ali Lauitiiti - in scoring a try in her maiden first grade appearance. Initially signed with the club on a development contract, the 19-year-old prop made an impact in her first opportunity. As well as scoring a powerful first half try, she also produced a momentum-turning hit in defence to help the Warriors to their first away win since rejoining to the NRLW this season.
First try rewind: Watch Ali and Ivana Lauitiiti's first tries
Isabelle Kelly (Wests Tigers v Roosters)
Roosters captain Isabelle Kelly made a splash for her side in their dominant win over Wests Tigers, scoring a double and topping the metres for her side in their 34-4 victory with 202 made. In a strong overall performance that also saw her notch three tackle breaks, two line breaks and made 16 tackles with no misses, the skipper led the way for her side. A noted metre eater, at the end of the season, Kelly was only bettered in the run metres by premiership-winner centre Julia Robinson who ran for 2674 in her 12 games, just ahead of the Roosters star with 2314.
Kelly makes a splash
Elsie Albert (Eels v Dragons)
Inspirational Eels forward Elsie Albert put her her team on her back to help close out the inaugural Magic Round with a thrilling last game of the weekend. Trailing a youthful Dragons side 10-2 midway through the second half, the PNG Orchids skipper produced a barnstorming run, beating six defenders on her way to scoring her team's first try of the match. The try shifted the momentum towards the Eels as both sides battled injury, with her fellow PNG national Fluer Ginn sealing the deal with a late try in the 61st minute. As well as sparking the attack, Albert was a key figure in defence for her side, making a team-high 29 tackles, with only one miss.
Elsie Albert Try
See the full NRLW 2026 Draw HERE
