Wagga Wagga product Rachael Pearson knows just how much it will mean to local rugby league fans to see the players up close when NRLW Magic Round kicks off this year.
Held at Geohex Park, the city’s official home of rugby league, across the weekend of August 1-2, the Parramatta Eels halfback said it was “so exciting” to be able to return to her hometown with some sporting superstars in tow.
NRLW Magic Round heads to Wagga Wagga
“I played a lot of footy out this way in the Riverina, so it's sort of a full circle moment,” Pearson said.
“I moved away to play in the NRLW, so to come back out here to play in the NRLW with all the other NRLW teams, it's so exciting.
“I think it's a great initiative by the New South Wales government and the NRL to go out into the regional areas.
“Wagga's one of the biggest inland cities in New South Wales and everyone out here loves their footy, so we're going to hopefully pack out Geohex Park.
“They've got six games of NRLW footy that's at their doorstep.
“They don't have to travel the hundreds of kilometres to go to Sydney to watch their team, or to support their club.
“We're coming to them, they don't have to come too far to us.
“Being out at the venue, the fans are right on the fence.
“There's action where players might score a try, and they can go and high five the crowd, or high five your family members, in my case.”
Joining Pearson at the official NRLW Magic Round launch was decorated Canberra Raiders co-captain Simaima Taufa, who was able to inspect the fields and facilities.
Other than hoping for some good weather after last year’s downpour in the inaugural NRLW Magic Round event in Newcastle, she said there was nothing more players and spectators to ask for.
“The field looks lush, watch out!” Taufa said. “It looks fast.
“To be able to have the second Magic Round here in Wagga is incredible, because of the ability to showcase regional communities.
“We've been able to see that across the men's game and how much attention and how much the fan engagement there is, so to be able to have NRLW Magic Round here in Wagga is so good.
“We've been able to go out there to the field and it's nice and personal where the fans pretty much can touch you on that field.
“As the women's game continuously grows over the years; for regional areas, they can see their stars up close and personal.
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“I feel that the weather will be great, and I think Magic Round last year – despite the weather conditions – you still were able to watch some amazing footy being played.
“I know that the facilities and the venue here in Wagga will be able to accommodate whatever conditions are forecasted to be.
“I know that the town is buzzing and humming along, wanting to have Magic Round here.
“With their female participation growing, it'll be great to see some of the local teams coming out and supporting.”
The representative forward, who has played the game around the world, said not only were the fans in for a treat, the players also enjoyed the atmosphere of the special round.
“It's so much fun,” Taufa said.
“To be able to see your team-mates that you play alongside with, but also the interaction with other teams as well.
“It's got such a real festival buzz in such a great way, they way you're able to interact with other teams.
“You get to say hello to players that you're a fan of watching and seeing; and to just be able to be amongst each other’s presence will be great … to see all your mates and just to say hello to each other.
“We're friends off the field, but when you cross that line, you do whatever you need to do to get the job done for your team and your club.”
*NRLW Magic Round is made possible thanks to a major three-year partnership between the NSW Government and the NRL, showing a shared commitment to driving economic growth in regional communities while promoting greater participation and visibility for women in sport.
