“I looked out into the crowd and thought this is exactly why I play".
Under blue skies, at a packed Geohex Park in Wagga Wagga, Roosters skipper Isabelle Kelly suggested that Magic Round may have found its natural home in the bush.
Bega-raised Wests Tigers co-captain Kezie Apps said: “It just feels like coming home when you go into the country".
Wagga’s first NRLW Magic Round was a celebration of regional rugby league, welcoming more than 14,000 spectators across the weekend and uniting players in their praise for the Riverina’s embrace of the women’s game.
NRLW Best Moments – Round 5
“We were all a bit shocked by the amount of people that turned out to come and watch,” Kelly said.
Dragon’s captain Brooke Anderson added: “We rocked up on the bus, and there were massive lines outside of fans, kids, families".
With fans travelling from as far as regional Queensland and queues extending hundreds of metres to enter the stadium, NRLW Magic Round highlighted the value of taking elite women’s sport directly to regional communities.
The NRLW drew thousands of supporters to the “City of Good Sports”, and Wagga comfortably rose to the occasion.
“There's such a big appetite for footy out here, and the stands are full of all various different fans from different clubs.” Sharks skipper Tiana Penitani Gray said.
For many players, the most significant moments came after full time. With young fans lining up to get a chance to meet their heroes.
The scenes around Geohex Park highlighted the unique impact on NRLW players in inspiring the next generation of female athletes.
“I really struggled to get off the field, that’s how good the crowd was. I did my best to show my appreciation to the young kids and fans,” said Warriors captain Apii Nicholls.
The weekend was, perhaps, best summed up by Warriors coach Ron Griffiths, who said the success of Magic Round was in reinforcing the value of connecting the NRLW with regional communities.
“These players have the opportunity, just by one interaction, to create generational change," Griffiths said.
“As an organisation, we understand the magnitude and take great pride in being able to represent our sport.
“Just through one interaction, these girls can inspire someone who can go on and have a 10 or 15-year NRLW career and change things for their whole family."
For the seasoned NRLW stars, the thousands of fans who packed Geohex Park, was a reminder of how far the women’s game has come while providing a glimpse into where it is headed next.
