NSWRL today announced the Regional Magic Round will return to Tamworth in 2026 with five games of the state’s premier competition, The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, to be showcased across three days at Scully Park in June.
The announcement was made by Member for Tamworth, The Hon. Kevin Anderson MP at Scully Park during half-time of the Women’s Country Championships match between the Northern Tigers and the North Coast Bulldogs, with Tamworth Mayor Russell Webb, Wests Group Chief Entertainment Officer Paddy Donnelly and NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden also in attendance.
Mr Anderson thanked NSWRL on behalf of the community for bringing Magic Round back to Tamworth in 2026.
“Tamworth is a Rugby League-loving city with thousands of players and fans who will be celebrating the return of Magic Round to our city,” he said.
“Everyone, from the Minor Leagues to our Group 4 stars, will be buzzing that some of the game’s best will be in town to battle it out in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.”
Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said: “It is wonderful to have NSW Rugby League and the Magic Round back in the Capital of Country this year.
“Team sports like Rugby League help to build connections, friendships and stronger communities, as well as physical and mental fitness.
“We’re proud of our fields and facilities and can’t wait to welcome footy fans and players back for all the magic in June.”
It will be the second time the NSWRL has taken its Regional Magic Round to Tamworth following the success of last year’s inaugural event which was a week-long celebration of Rugby League. It included community activations, a Sportsman’s Lunch, and 11 games of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup and the local Group 4 competition.
The 2026 The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Regional Magic Round will kick off with Parramatta Eels against the Newcastle Knights on Friday 26 June, while the matches on Saturday 27 June will feature St George Illawarra Dragons against Penrith Panthers and a blockbuster clash between traditional rivals Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The action on the final day on Sunday 28 June will conclude with North Sydney Bears against newcomers Melbourne Storm and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles taking on Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
The weekend will also include a range of First Grade and Junior Rugby League matches from the local Group 4 competition, a Sportsman’s Lunch and community activations.
Trodden said: “Regional NSW has played a pivotal role in the history of NSWRL and had produced so many talented players who have gone on to represent at the highest level in State of Origin.
“The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Regional Magic Round in Tamworth is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the game of Rugby League and provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution that players and clubs have made to the game.
“I encourage all fans in the local area to get in early for their tickets to catch all the action and skill from players in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, as well as the competitive spirit from clubs in the Group 4 competition.”
McDonnell said: “We love seeing Rugby League played at Scully Park, so it’s great to have the NSWRL Magic Round returning to Tamworth again this year following the strong success of last year’s event.
“It’s an important event for the region and a great example of what our partnership with the NSWRL can deliver for the community. We’re looking forward to another big weekend of footy and seeing locals and visitors turn out to support it.”
NSWRL 2026 THE KNOCK-ON EFFECT NSW CUP REGIONAL MAGIC ROUND
26-28 June, Scully Park, Tamworth
Friday 26 June
7pm: Parramatta Eels v Newcastle Knights
Saturday 27 June
11am: St George Illawarra Dragons v Penrith Panthers
3pm: Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs
Sunday 28 June
11am: North Sydney Bears vs Melbourne Storm
3pm: Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Click here to buy tickets for the 2026 The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Regional Magic Round
