The first ever NRLW Magic Round will be remembered not just for the footy, but also for the torrential conditions that threatened to wash it all away.
Held at McDonald Jones Stadium as a marquee celebration of women’s rugby league, the event was a testament to how far the game has come. But the scenes throughout the weekend, fans huddled in ponchos, players slogging through puddles, and swirling winds impacting kicking games, were a reminder of how you simply cannot control the weather.
Credit to every single fan that turned up there. I decided two years ago that I had outgrown sitting in the rain at the footy, so well done to all the fans who still made it out for Magic Round.
While no one can control the weather, what the NRL can control is its ongoing commitment to giving the NRLW the marquee moments it deserves. Magic Round must stay. The women’s game deserves these platforms to showcase its best, even if Mother Nature has other ideas. The players certainly didn’t let the conditions dampen their competitive fire and some even seemed to enjoy playing in the sloshy conditions.
Take Sunday afternoon’s clash between the Parramatta Eels and the St George Illawarra Dragons. An important game for both teams who have top six aspirations, fans were treated to one of the most compelling comebacks of the season.
Down 10–6 with less than 15 minutes to play, Parramatta dug deep. Their first try in the comeback came courtesy of a barnstorming run by Elsie Albert. Albert sent Raecene McGregor flying and crossed the line with about three Dragons players on her back. It was a try that she had no right to score but meant that Parramatta were back in the game. Then youngster and superstar of the future Fleur Ginn showed tremendous speed for the Eels to take the lead and then hold on to take the win.
It was an important win for Parramatta. They now sit in fifth spot on the ladder and if they want to make the finals they need to keep banking those wins. The final three rounds see the Eels get two home games but also facing the top two teams in the Sydney Roosters and the Brisbane Broncos.
As for the Dragons, they now find themselves sitting in ninth spot, just one point outside the top six. They have a critical game coming up next week against the Sharks, but more on that later.
Fleur Ginn scores a try at McDonald Jones Stadium. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)
Elsewhere, the Newcastle Knights continued to silence doubters, beating the Canberra Raiders 18–0 in a gutsy, composed performance on Sunday in front of their home crowd.
Many had written off the Knights after their inconsistent start to the season and the loss of key personnel like Tamika Upton. But the Knights have had some great wins and now sit third on the ladder, just two points of the high-flying Roosters.
Speaking of the Roosters, the Tricolours and Brisbane Broncos continue to be the standout teams in the competition, both banking wins over the weekend. I’m running out of words to praise their attack, but given we are only halfway through the competition I’ll need to find some more words soon. I expect to see these teams feature in September and look forward to when they play each other again.
And now, attention turns to Round 6, a round that could decide finals fates for several clubs.
Cronulla and the Dragons face off in close to an elimination final. Both teams sit at two wins and three losses and while a mathematical path to the top six still exists for the loser, a win is essential to stay in contention.
The Sharks have struggled to replicate the attacking flair that made them a pre-season dark horse. After making the Grand Final last year, many had high hopes for the Sharks to be back in the Grand Final this year. They haven’t quite delivered yet and face another desperate team in the Dragons.
Meanwhile, the Eels’ next challenge is just as crucial. They’ll face the North Queensland Cowboys, who currently sit on equal points on the ladder, just with a better differential. Parramatta will need to back up Sunday’s energy and aggression with discipline and execution if they are to beat a Cowboys side with danger players like Jakiya Whitfeld.
As mentioned, the Eels have a tough run home so will want to beat the Cowboys in front of their home crowd and really solidify their spot in the top six.
As for the poor old Wests Tigers and Canberra Raiders, both face tough competition this week and I don’t think either team will get that win they have been searching for.
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There’s still plenty of movement to come in this year’s competition. With three rounds remaining and just one win separating fourth and 10th, every match from here carries weight.
So, let’s hope the weather clears. The NRLW has never been closer or more compelling. The players are delivering the spectacle, rain, lightning and shine.
Now it’s up to the league and fans to keep turning up, giving the women’s game the spotlight it deserves.
