Stars of tomorrow on show at NSWRL's Regional Magic Round

Former NRL premiership-winner Chad Townsend has praised NSWRL’s Regional Magic Round which kicks off in Tamworth tomorrow (Friday 26 June), saying it provides regional Rugby League fans with a rare opportunity to witness the stars of the future.

The state’s premier Rugby League competition, The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, will once again take centre stage in regional NSW, with five matches to be played across three days as Regional Magic Round returns to Scully Park for a second consecutive year.

Townsend experienced the event first-hand as a member of the Sydney Roosters NSW Cup side during last year’s round in Tamworth and believes taking elite football to rural communities is a win for both players and the fans.

“I think it is fantastic to be honest,” Townsend said.

“When you can take games to a regional area where they don’t have much Rugby League, I think in some essence it means a little bit more to those people to see top-line football than people in major cities.

“It gives a great buzz to the community and also the players.

“The feel at Scully Park is fantastic and it is a great ground to host footy.”

With the race to the finals heating up, Townsend said several key match-ups across the weekend could have a major impact on the competition.

The former Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and North Queensland Cowboys halfback has particularly been impressed with the rise of the Newcastle Knights this season and is eager to how they front up against the Parramatta Eels in tomorrow night’s opening game.

“I have really enjoyed watching the Knights this year,” Townsend said.

“I think they have got some really exciting youngsters and at NRL level they have had a lot of stability which has given them stability in their NSW Cup side.

“Players are getting valuable game time under their belts and I’m really excited to see them get to work when they kick off the round.”

Another side to catch Townsend’s eye has been the North Sydney Bears, who sit firmly in finals contention despite operating without an NRL affiliation this season.

“What they have been able to do against teams who have got bigger names and full-time players has been amazing,” Townsend said.

“They have been holding their weight so far this season and it is hard to look past them with the way they are playing.

“It is almost as if they are playing with a bit of a chip on their shoulder, that it is us against everyone else.”

While the Knights and Bears have impressed, Townsend believed competition leaders, Penrith Panthers, remain the benchmark after building a five-point lead at the top of the ladder.

“It is like a well-oiled machine, the Penrith Panthers Rugby League system,” he said.

“It starts at the top and feeds all the way through. It is the ultimate next-man-up mentality because players can come in and the performance doesn’t change because the system is so well organised.

“When you look across all the major competitions, they are sitting comfortably at the top and it is super impressive.”

For local supporters, there will be an extra interest in Saturday’s clash between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, with Tamworth products Logan Spinks and Jack Todd set to return home in Bulldogs colours.

Having recently returned to play for his own junior club, Townsend understands the significance of the occasion.

“To go back to your grassroots and where you’re from, no doubt playing in front of a lot of family and friends, that is the type of stuff that spurs you on,” Townsend said.

 “Our game is very much a grassroots and community-based game that is for everyone.

“They’ll be excited about the prospect of going home and seeing a lot of familiar faces, and they will get up for the game and take it to another level no doubt.”

With 10 rounds remaining before finals begin, Townsend believes the competition remains wide open despite Penrith’s dominance.

“When you look at the season so far, it is hard to go past the Panthers, but the thing with the NSW Cup is anything can happen,” he said.

“The best thing is that finals footy is still a long way away and anything can happen.”

For Tamworth locals considering a trip to Scully Park, Townsend says the attraction is simple.

“There will be players playing across the weekend who are on the cusp of making the NRL, and even some who have already made their NRL debut,” Townsend said.

“Not only will you see the stars of the future, but you will also see some genuine first graders getting quality game time in the NSW Cup.”

Click here to purchase tickets for the NSWRL’s Regional Magic Round.

THE KNOCK-ON EFFECT NSW CUP ROUND 17

Scully Park, Tamworth