Brisbane is NRL Magic Round's beating heart but risks becoming a victim of its own success | Jack Snape

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Yesterday at 22:31

Rugby league's annual expo would lose much of its sparkle if the NRL moves the festivities to another host city after the current deals ends in 2027

"Where else would you have it?", former NRL referee and now Queensland sport minister Tim Mander said on Thursday at the launch of Magic Round, rugby league's annual expo. It was a rhetorical question, but it did – for a moment at least – let the imagination wander.

Perth could work, given WA premier Roger Cook's preference for rugby league and the imminent arrival of the Bears. Elsewhere, Adelaide Oval's proximity to the CBD is kick-on heaven, just ask AFL fans. Melbourne and of course Sydney can put on a show. Or could the NRL try the Gold Coast, Townsville, Newcastle, even New Zealand?

Brisbane is NRL Magic Round's beating heart but risks becoming a victim of its own success | Jack Snape

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