For Parramatta Eels duo Rachael Pearson and Taneka Todhunter, this weekend’s NRLW Magic Round in Wagga Wagga will be a special homecoming they hope will excite the local community and inspire the next generation of rugby league stars.
Pearson, who was born in Wagga Wagga and raised in nearby Hay, knows how much the weekend will mean to the local community.
“Wagga Wagga is one of the biggest inland regions in New South Wales. Everything’s there that you could want, and they really love their footy. For 12 teams to be going there to play NRLW standard games, it's super special," Pearson said.
Pearson expects strong support from across the Riverina, with rugby league communities from Wagga and surrounding towns set to embrace the occasion.
More importantly, she hopes young girls and boys see the opportunity to dream big.
"You can't be what you can't see," she said.
"They'll get to see us in person, maybe get a photo or a signature, and hopefully that inspires them."
The occasion will also provide extra motivation, with plenty of familiar faces expected in the crowd.
"I'll have a lot of family and friends there. To get a win out in Wagga, where I'm from in the Riverina, would be super special."
Round 5 Press Conference | Rachael Pearson
Wagga Wagga will come alive with non-stop footy action and a line-up stacked with entertainment, activities and festival fun for the whole family.
Todhunter, who was born in nearby Dubbo, said bringing the NRLW to regional New South Wales was something she would have loved as a young player.
"I was a kid that always wanted to be around footy and have those games taken to the country," Todhunter said.
She is also looking forward to sharing the experience with those closest to her.
"I have a lot of family and friends coming out, so it's going to be a really good atmosphere."
Todhunter hopes local juniors leave Magic Round believing they can one day follow the same path.
"No matter where you come from, you can make it. You just have to work hard."
Round 5 Press Conference | Taneka Todhunter
The Parramatta Eels will play the Newcastle Knights on Sunday, August 2 at Geohex Park, Wagga Wagga. Kick off is 3.45pm.
Round 5 Team list: NRLW Team List: Round 5 | Eels
Purchase tickets by clicking this link: 2026 NRLW Magic Round tickets | Tours and Events | Ticketek Australia
