Cowboys axe halfback to take chance on gun teen
Mackay product Purdue will start at five-eighth against Manly on Saturday night in place of Clifford, who missed two shots at a game-winning field goal in the 30-30 draw with Penrith last weekend.
Purdue, 19, has been a revelation in the centres for the Cowboys this season, but played in the halves as a junior.
He could remain there for another week if co-captain Tom Dearden is selected for Queensland in the State of Origin series opener on May 28.
Purdue's promotion means Dearden shifts to halfback and Zac Laybutt comes into the outside backs for his first game of the season.
Clifford has been solid this year after impressing on return to the first-grade side late last season, but lines up as replacement player.
Out-of-sorts Brisbane have made a halves change of their own, recalling Ezra Mam for his first game of the year in place of the injured Ben Hunt.
Mam, who served a nine-game ban for drug-driving, made his return to the field through reserve grade last week and will partner Adam Reynolds against St George Illawarra.
Elsewhere, incumbent NSW winger Zac Lomax will have one last chance to push his Origin case provided he can clear a final fitness test for Parramatta's trip to Newcastle.
The clash would be the gun recruit's first alongside Eels halfback Mitch Moses, who missed the start of the season with his own foot issue.
A knee injury to Greg Marzhew has left the Knights to name debutant Fletcher Hunt on the wing as they look to recover from a demoralising loss to Gold Coast.
Kieran Foran is in line to play his first game of the season, with the Titans naming their veteran playmaker to return from a biceps injury against Canberra.
Alex Johnston will resume his push for the all-time try-scoring record when he returns from a hamstring injury for South Sydney's clash with Wests Tigers.
Tigers coach Benji Marshall resisted the urge to make mass changes after his side's humiliating 64-0 loss to Melbourne.
But Fonua Pole's knee injury has forced a reshuffle that leaves Tallyn Da Silva in the reserves.
Storm hooker Harry Grant is listed in the reserves, so may have one last chance to return from a hamstring injury and push his Origin case against Cronulla.
James Fisher-Harris and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck have both been named to return for the Warriors in their clash against the Dolphins.
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'It's huge': all you need to know about Newcastle's Magic weekend
NRLW Magic Round is here and Newcastle is host to the historic occasion. Novocastrians love an event, and are unlikely to let a few forecast drops of rain - or even an absolute deluge - get in the way of filling the stands at McDonald Jones Stadium for two jam-packed days of women's rugby league action. Actually, not just any action, but the best in the world with a host of the game's superstars, many locally grown, on show. We've broken down why this weekend is huge not only for the city but also for women's rugby league, which has been going from strength to strength since the inception of the NRLW in 2018. Magic Round features all six NRL games at one venue - McDonald Jones Stadium - across Saturday and Sunday The concept started in England in 2007 as a way to promote the sport. It was adopted by the NRL in 2019 and has been staged annually in Brisbane to huge attendance ever since. It has a party, carnival-type atmosphere which extends beyond the games and venue. This is the first time the women's game has also been showcased on the same platform. All round-five NRLW exchanges will unfold in Newcastle. On Saturday, Gold Coast Titans play newcomers Canterbury (12.15pm), defending premiers and unbeaten leaders the Sydney Roosters battle Wests Tigers (2.15pm) and Brisbane face off with Cronulla (4.15pm). On Sunday, the Knights, who are on a three-game winning run, host the winless Canberra Raiders (1.45pm) in a match bookended by North Queensland's exchange with New Zealand Warriors (11.50am) and Parramatta's showdown with St George Illawarra (3.45pm). Novocastrians are proven die-hard sporting fans. Give us an event, and we'll be there. A then women's rugby league crowd record of 25,782 braved hideous, rain-soaked conditions when State of Origin came to the city last year. That strong turnout, and the regular home support shown to the Knights' NRLW side, helped secure this year's Origin finale and the first Magic Round. As part of a funding agreement with the NSW government, Magic Round will be held in regional NSW for the next three years. Newcastle is first cab off the rank, but if it is well attended, officials are understood to be open to returning next year. "We're hoping to hit the 10,000 mark each day," McDonald Jones Stadium venue manager Dean Mantle said on Friday. "That's our aim. Ticket sales are well and truly on track for that. We're still selling tickets, despite the weather. "People are still ready to come and it's a true testament to the support the people of the Hunter, the people of Newcastle have for the women's game of rugby league ... we've got tickets from as low as $10." The NRLW has exploded from four teams in 2018 to 12 this year, played across an 11-round format with a top-six finals series. Having a dedicated Magic Round to showcase the talent is another important step in the evolution of the women's game. While their male counterparts are full-time athletes, some on multimillion-dollar contracts, most NRLW players juggle their elite sporting commitments with full-time jobs. Home-grown Knights Yasmin Clydsdale and Olivia Higgins - both NSW and Australian representatives - are high school teachers in the local community. Representing your state and country sometimes means taking leave without pay from your other job, and having an understanding boss. The minimum wage for an NRLW player in 2023 was $30,000. This year it is $41,800, increasing to $50,600 by 2027. Both Clydsdale and Higgins were part of the first women's three-match Origin series last year and when NRL took women's footy to Las Vegas this year for the Jillaroos' clash with England. Magic Round is another milestone moment in the evolution of the women's game, and both are thrilled it's in their home town. "It's awesome that Newcastle gets to host the first-ever Magic Round," Higgins said. "I know it's supposed to rain but I think the Newy crowd will still get behind the teams. There will be some quality footy played, so I'm really excited to be part of that this weekend. "We have definitely spoken about Magic Round and being able to showcase some rugby league for our community, but I know there are plenty of other girls in other teams who are looking forward to coming to Newy because they know how much the crowd get behind the girls' game." The enormity of having the inaugural NRLW Magic Round in the city is not lost on Newcastle Rugby League general manager Adam Devcich. Giving young girls and women access to such events can help continue to grow the game at grassroots level. This year, Hunter Junior Rugby League (HJRL) female participation has risen by 39.79 per cent to 1588 girls playing in competitions from under fives through to under 18s. Last year, the Central Charlestown under-six Sparkles made history as the first all-girls mini team in HJRL. "The old adage is, you can't be what you can't see, and if we have an NRLW Magic Round front and centre in Newcastle, all of the girls and young women can see that this is something that they can aspire to," Devcich said. Higgins also acknowledged the impact accessibility to the game's stars can have on the growing number of girls and women taking up the sport. "There's such a haven here in Newcastle with young girls playing, but even in places like Mid North Coast," Higgins said. "I hope that those girls come and have a look at some of the talent because it's so exciting to have every club come together, and I know that the NRLW girls will stick around after and talk to the fans. "It's huge for the area, but it's huge for the game as well, and I think it will just keep building every year and hopefully Newy get to host it from hereon out." In conjunction with Magic Round, 60 aspiring NRLW players have been invited to Newcastle to be put through their paces across two days in a combine-style assessment. They will include former Matildas star Larissa Crummer, who has produced some eye-catching performances this year for Sunshine Coast in Queensland Women's Premiership. Well, for one, it's outstanding entertainment. The women's game has won fans over with its raw, no-nonsense and highly skilful style. Two, it's cheap as chips, well as cheap as chips used to be. Six games, two days and all for just $24. Or just $5 more if you're not a ticketed club member. And kids come free with a paying adult. No other professional sport can be watched live for that sort of money. Three, you can help support a good cause while you're there. Newcastle-based Breast Cancer Trials is the official match day charity partner for day one of the Magic Round. A number of generous corporate partners will match community donations throughout the weekend. Steeden have also produced a limited number of branded rugby league balls that have been signed by NRLW players and can be bid on as part of fundraising efforts. Four, Bluey will be in town. That's right, everyone's favourite blue heeler, and her sister Bingo, will be putting on live shows among a range of activities for the kids in an interactive precinct. Five, remember the old days when you could run onto the field after sporting events? Well, on Sunday afternoon, following the final match of Magic Round, that's exactly what all ticket-holders can do. Need we say more. The world's best rugby league players will be on show and there are sure to be plenty of stand-out performances. Here are some to keep an eye on: Isabelle Kelly (Roosters) Position: Centre Age: 28 NRLW games: 47 The Roosters captain has played NRLW since it began and is one of the most experienced competitors in the game. The NSW and Australian centre, who is leading the Dally M leaderboard after four rounds, has an incredible career strike rate of 20 tries in 47 appearances. This year, Kelly is averaging a whopping 227 run metres, has made nine line breaks, had 24 tackle breaks, scored three tries and assisted two. Jesse Southwell (Knights) Position: Halfback Age: 20 NRLW games: 31 At just 20 years of age, if the Kotara Bears junior isn't already arguably the best halfback in the game, she will be soon. Southwell guided the Knights to back-to-back premierships in 2022 and 2023, and steered NSW to State of Origin series glory this year. Newcastle coach Ben Jeffries reckoned it was the best he had seen his young No.7 play, and Southwell has taken that form into NRLW. After four rounds, she had produced four try assists, three line break assists and is on a league-record run of 20 successful conversions. Tamika Upton (Broncos) Position: Fullback Age: 28 NRLW games: 41 An absolute superstar of the game, Upton was key to Newcastle's two premiership wins, being named player of the grand final in both. She was the 2023 Dally M Medallist and is one of the most lethal players going around. Upton has scored 31 tries across a 41-game NRLW career. This year, she has bagged five tries in four appearances, had four try assists and made seven line breaks. Returning to play at Newcastle for the first time since leaving the Knights and re-joining the Broncos. Michaela Brake (Warriors) Position: Winger Age: 29 NRLW games: 4 New to rugby league but a rugby sevens legend, the lightning-quick back has an impressive sporting dossier. She is a two-time World Rugby Sevens player of the year, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and two-time OIympic Games gold medallist. A tryscoring machine in rugby sevens, the Kiwi is also showing lethal qualities in her new code. In four NRLW appearances, Crake has scored two tries, had a league-high 29 tackle breaks, made four line breaks and is averaging 133 run metres per game. Ellie Johnston (Sharks) Position: Prop Age: 24 NRLW games: 39 A power-packed prop who has established herself as one of the most impactful forwards in the game. Helped lead the Sharks to last year's grand final and earned herself a NSW jersey in the process. She has clocked 193.4 post contact metres this year, is averaging 12 hit-ups a game, has made eight tackle breaks and produced six offloads. Can she be stopped? Simaima Taufa (Raiders) Position: Lock Age: 31 NRLW appearances: 42 An absolute workhorse and leader of the game, Taufa is a NSW and Australian representative and was the 2023 Dally M captain of the year. The Canberra captain is built for the grind, not afraid to do the hard stuff and leads by example. She is a tackling machine, tackling at almost 94 per cent efficiency and in the league's top-five players for tackles made this season. NRLW Magic Round is here and Newcastle is host to the historic occasion. Novocastrians love an event, and are unlikely to let a few forecast drops of rain - or even an absolute deluge - get in the way of filling the stands at McDonald Jones Stadium for two jam-packed days of women's rugby league action. Actually, not just any action, but the best in the world with a host of the game's superstars, many locally grown, on show. We've broken down why this weekend is huge not only for the city but also for women's rugby league, which has been going from strength to strength since the inception of the NRLW in 2018. Magic Round features all six NRL games at one venue - McDonald Jones Stadium - across Saturday and Sunday The concept started in England in 2007 as a way to promote the sport. It was adopted by the NRL in 2019 and has been staged annually in Brisbane to huge attendance ever since. It has a party, carnival-type atmosphere which extends beyond the games and venue. This is the first time the women's game has also been showcased on the same platform. All round-five NRLW exchanges will unfold in Newcastle. On Saturday, Gold Coast Titans play newcomers Canterbury (12.15pm), defending premiers and unbeaten leaders the Sydney Roosters battle Wests Tigers (2.15pm) and Brisbane face off with Cronulla (4.15pm). On Sunday, the Knights, who are on a three-game winning run, host the winless Canberra Raiders (1.45pm) in a match bookended by North Queensland's exchange with New Zealand Warriors (11.50am) and Parramatta's showdown with St George Illawarra (3.45pm). Novocastrians are proven die-hard sporting fans. Give us an event, and we'll be there. A then women's rugby league crowd record of 25,782 braved hideous, rain-soaked conditions when State of Origin came to the city last year. That strong turnout, and the regular home support shown to the Knights' NRLW side, helped secure this year's Origin finale and the first Magic Round. As part of a funding agreement with the NSW government, Magic Round will be held in regional NSW for the next three years. Newcastle is first cab off the rank, but if it is well attended, officials are understood to be open to returning next year. "We're hoping to hit the 10,000 mark each day," McDonald Jones Stadium venue manager Dean Mantle said on Friday. "That's our aim. Ticket sales are well and truly on track for that. We're still selling tickets, despite the weather. "People are still ready to come and it's a true testament to the support the people of the Hunter, the people of Newcastle have for the women's game of rugby league ... we've got tickets from as low as $10." The NRLW has exploded from four teams in 2018 to 12 this year, played across an 11-round format with a top-six finals series. Having a dedicated Magic Round to showcase the talent is another important step in the evolution of the women's game. While their male counterparts are full-time athletes, some on multimillion-dollar contracts, most NRLW players juggle their elite sporting commitments with full-time jobs. Home-grown Knights Yasmin Clydsdale and Olivia Higgins - both NSW and Australian representatives - are high school teachers in the local community. Representing your state and country sometimes means taking leave without pay from your other job, and having an understanding boss. The minimum wage for an NRLW player in 2023 was $30,000. This year it is $41,800, increasing to $50,600 by 2027. Both Clydsdale and Higgins were part of the first women's three-match Origin series last year and when NRL took women's footy to Las Vegas this year for the Jillaroos' clash with England. Magic Round is another milestone moment in the evolution of the women's game, and both are thrilled it's in their home town. "It's awesome that Newcastle gets to host the first-ever Magic Round," Higgins said. "I know it's supposed to rain but I think the Newy crowd will still get behind the teams. There will be some quality footy played, so I'm really excited to be part of that this weekend. "We have definitely spoken about Magic Round and being able to showcase some rugby league for our community, but I know there are plenty of other girls in other teams who are looking forward to coming to Newy because they know how much the crowd get behind the girls' game." The enormity of having the inaugural NRLW Magic Round in the city is not lost on Newcastle Rugby League general manager Adam Devcich. Giving young girls and women access to such events can help continue to grow the game at grassroots level. This year, Hunter Junior Rugby League (HJRL) female participation has risen by 39.79 per cent to 1588 girls playing in competitions from under fives through to under 18s. Last year, the Central Charlestown under-six Sparkles made history as the first all-girls mini team in HJRL. "The old adage is, you can't be what you can't see, and if we have an NRLW Magic Round front and centre in Newcastle, all of the girls and young women can see that this is something that they can aspire to," Devcich said. Higgins also acknowledged the impact accessibility to the game's stars can have on the growing number of girls and women taking up the sport. "There's such a haven here in Newcastle with young girls playing, but even in places like Mid North Coast," Higgins said. "I hope that those girls come and have a look at some of the talent because it's so exciting to have every club come together, and I know that the NRLW girls will stick around after and talk to the fans. "It's huge for the area, but it's huge for the game as well, and I think it will just keep building every year and hopefully Newy get to host it from hereon out." In conjunction with Magic Round, 60 aspiring NRLW players have been invited to Newcastle to be put through their paces across two days in a combine-style assessment. They will include former Matildas star Larissa Crummer, who has produced some eye-catching performances this year for Sunshine Coast in Queensland Women's Premiership. Well, for one, it's outstanding entertainment. The women's game has won fans over with its raw, no-nonsense and highly skilful style. Two, it's cheap as chips, well as cheap as chips used to be. Six games, two days and all for just $24. Or just $5 more if you're not a ticketed club member. And kids come free with a paying adult. No other professional sport can be watched live for that sort of money. Three, you can help support a good cause while you're there. Newcastle-based Breast Cancer Trials is the official match day charity partner for day one of the Magic Round. A number of generous corporate partners will match community donations throughout the weekend. Steeden have also produced a limited number of branded rugby league balls that have been signed by NRLW players and can be bid on as part of fundraising efforts. Four, Bluey will be in town. That's right, everyone's favourite blue heeler, and her sister Bingo, will be putting on live shows among a range of activities for the kids in an interactive precinct. Five, remember the old days when you could run onto the field after sporting events? Well, on Sunday afternoon, following the final match of Magic Round, that's exactly what all ticket-holders can do. Need we say more. The world's best rugby league players will be on show and there are sure to be plenty of stand-out performances. Here are some to keep an eye on: Isabelle Kelly (Roosters) Position: Centre Age: 28 NRLW games: 47 The Roosters captain has played NRLW since it began and is one of the most experienced competitors in the game. The NSW and Australian centre, who is leading the Dally M leaderboard after four rounds, has an incredible career strike rate of 20 tries in 47 appearances. This year, Kelly is averaging a whopping 227 run metres, has made nine line breaks, had 24 tackle breaks, scored three tries and assisted two. Jesse Southwell (Knights) Position: Halfback Age: 20 NRLW games: 31 At just 20 years of age, if the Kotara Bears junior isn't already arguably the best halfback in the game, she will be soon. Southwell guided the Knights to back-to-back premierships in 2022 and 2023, and steered NSW to State of Origin series glory this year. Newcastle coach Ben Jeffries reckoned it was the best he had seen his young No.7 play, and Southwell has taken that form into NRLW. After four rounds, she had produced four try assists, three line break assists and is on a league-record run of 20 successful conversions. Tamika Upton (Broncos) Position: Fullback Age: 28 NRLW games: 41 An absolute superstar of the game, Upton was key to Newcastle's two premiership wins, being named player of the grand final in both. She was the 2023 Dally M Medallist and is one of the most lethal players going around. Upton has scored 31 tries across a 41-game NRLW career. This year, she has bagged five tries in four appearances, had four try assists and made seven line breaks. Returning to play at Newcastle for the first time since leaving the Knights and re-joining the Broncos. Michaela Brake (Warriors) Position: Winger Age: 29 NRLW games: 4 New to rugby league but a rugby sevens legend, the lightning-quick back has an impressive sporting dossier. She is a two-time World Rugby Sevens player of the year, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and two-time OIympic Games gold medallist. A tryscoring machine in rugby sevens, the Kiwi is also showing lethal qualities in her new code. In four NRLW appearances, Crake has scored two tries, had a league-high 29 tackle breaks, made four line breaks and is averaging 133 run metres per game. Ellie Johnston (Sharks) Position: Prop Age: 24 NRLW games: 39 A power-packed prop who has established herself as one of the most impactful forwards in the game. Helped lead the Sharks to last year's grand final and earned herself a NSW jersey in the process. She has clocked 193.4 post contact metres this year, is averaging 12 hit-ups a game, has made eight tackle breaks and produced six offloads. Can she be stopped? Simaima Taufa (Raiders) Position: Lock Age: 31 NRLW appearances: 42 An absolute workhorse and leader of the game, Taufa is a NSW and Australian representative and was the 2023 Dally M captain of the year. The Canberra captain is built for the grind, not afraid to do the hard stuff and leads by example. She is a tackling machine, tackling at almost 94 per cent efficiency and in the league's top-five players for tackles made this season. NRLW Magic Round is here and Newcastle is host to the historic occasion. Novocastrians love an event, and are unlikely to let a few forecast drops of rain - or even an absolute deluge - get in the way of filling the stands at McDonald Jones Stadium for two jam-packed days of women's rugby league action. Actually, not just any action, but the best in the world with a host of the game's superstars, many locally grown, on show. We've broken down why this weekend is huge not only for the city but also for women's rugby league, which has been going from strength to strength since the inception of the NRLW in 2018. Magic Round features all six NRL games at one venue - McDonald Jones Stadium - across Saturday and Sunday The concept started in England in 2007 as a way to promote the sport. It was adopted by the NRL in 2019 and has been staged annually in Brisbane to huge attendance ever since. It has a party, carnival-type atmosphere which extends beyond the games and venue. This is the first time the women's game has also been showcased on the same platform. All round-five NRLW exchanges will unfold in Newcastle. On Saturday, Gold Coast Titans play newcomers Canterbury (12.15pm), defending premiers and unbeaten leaders the Sydney Roosters battle Wests Tigers (2.15pm) and Brisbane face off with Cronulla (4.15pm). On Sunday, the Knights, who are on a three-game winning run, host the winless Canberra Raiders (1.45pm) in a match bookended by North Queensland's exchange with New Zealand Warriors (11.50am) and Parramatta's showdown with St George Illawarra (3.45pm). Novocastrians are proven die-hard sporting fans. Give us an event, and we'll be there. A then women's rugby league crowd record of 25,782 braved hideous, rain-soaked conditions when State of Origin came to the city last year. That strong turnout, and the regular home support shown to the Knights' NRLW side, helped secure this year's Origin finale and the first Magic Round. As part of a funding agreement with the NSW government, Magic Round will be held in regional NSW for the next three years. Newcastle is first cab off the rank, but if it is well attended, officials are understood to be open to returning next year. "We're hoping to hit the 10,000 mark each day," McDonald Jones Stadium venue manager Dean Mantle said on Friday. "That's our aim. Ticket sales are well and truly on track for that. We're still selling tickets, despite the weather. "People are still ready to come and it's a true testament to the support the people of the Hunter, the people of Newcastle have for the women's game of rugby league ... we've got tickets from as low as $10." The NRLW has exploded from four teams in 2018 to 12 this year, played across an 11-round format with a top-six finals series. Having a dedicated Magic Round to showcase the talent is another important step in the evolution of the women's game. While their male counterparts are full-time athletes, some on multimillion-dollar contracts, most NRLW players juggle their elite sporting commitments with full-time jobs. Home-grown Knights Yasmin Clydsdale and Olivia Higgins - both NSW and Australian representatives - are high school teachers in the local community. Representing your state and country sometimes means taking leave without pay from your other job, and having an understanding boss. The minimum wage for an NRLW player in 2023 was $30,000. This year it is $41,800, increasing to $50,600 by 2027. Both Clydsdale and Higgins were part of the first women's three-match Origin series last year and when NRL took women's footy to Las Vegas this year for the Jillaroos' clash with England. Magic Round is another milestone moment in the evolution of the women's game, and both are thrilled it's in their home town. "It's awesome that Newcastle gets to host the first-ever Magic Round," Higgins said. "I know it's supposed to rain but I think the Newy crowd will still get behind the teams. There will be some quality footy played, so I'm really excited to be part of that this weekend. "We have definitely spoken about Magic Round and being able to showcase some rugby league for our community, but I know there are plenty of other girls in other teams who are looking forward to coming to Newy because they know how much the crowd get behind the girls' game." The enormity of having the inaugural NRLW Magic Round in the city is not lost on Newcastle Rugby League general manager Adam Devcich. Giving young girls and women access to such events can help continue to grow the game at grassroots level. This year, Hunter Junior Rugby League (HJRL) female participation has risen by 39.79 per cent to 1588 girls playing in competitions from under fives through to under 18s. Last year, the Central Charlestown under-six Sparkles made history as the first all-girls mini team in HJRL. "The old adage is, you can't be what you can't see, and if we have an NRLW Magic Round front and centre in Newcastle, all of the girls and young women can see that this is something that they can aspire to," Devcich said. Higgins also acknowledged the impact accessibility to the game's stars can have on the growing number of girls and women taking up the sport. "There's such a haven here in Newcastle with young girls playing, but even in places like Mid North Coast," Higgins said. "I hope that those girls come and have a look at some of the talent because it's so exciting to have every club come together, and I know that the NRLW girls will stick around after and talk to the fans. "It's huge for the area, but it's huge for the game as well, and I think it will just keep building every year and hopefully Newy get to host it from hereon out." In conjunction with Magic Round, 60 aspiring NRLW players have been invited to Newcastle to be put through their paces across two days in a combine-style assessment. They will include former Matildas star Larissa Crummer, who has produced some eye-catching performances this year for Sunshine Coast in Queensland Women's Premiership. Well, for one, it's outstanding entertainment. The women's game has won fans over with its raw, no-nonsense and highly skilful style. Two, it's cheap as chips, well as cheap as chips used to be. Six games, two days and all for just $24. Or just $5 more if you're not a ticketed club member. And kids come free with a paying adult. No other professional sport can be watched live for that sort of money. Three, you can help support a good cause while you're there. Newcastle-based Breast Cancer Trials is the official match day charity partner for day one of the Magic Round. A number of generous corporate partners will match community donations throughout the weekend. Steeden have also produced a limited number of branded rugby league balls that have been signed by NRLW players and can be bid on as part of fundraising efforts. Four, Bluey will be in town. That's right, everyone's favourite blue heeler, and her sister Bingo, will be putting on live shows among a range of activities for the kids in an interactive precinct. Five, remember the old days when you could run onto the field after sporting events? Well, on Sunday afternoon, following the final match of Magic Round, that's exactly what all ticket-holders can do. Need we say more. The world's best rugby league players will be on show and there are sure to be plenty of stand-out performances. Here are some to keep an eye on: Isabelle Kelly (Roosters) Position: Centre Age: 28 NRLW games: 47 The Roosters captain has played NRLW since it began and is one of the most experienced competitors in the game. The NSW and Australian centre, who is leading the Dally M leaderboard after four rounds, has an incredible career strike rate of 20 tries in 47 appearances. This year, Kelly is averaging a whopping 227 run metres, has made nine line breaks, had 24 tackle breaks, scored three tries and assisted two. Jesse Southwell (Knights) Position: Halfback Age: 20 NRLW games: 31 At just 20 years of age, if the Kotara Bears junior isn't already arguably the best halfback in the game, she will be soon. Southwell guided the Knights to back-to-back premierships in 2022 and 2023, and steered NSW to State of Origin series glory this year. Newcastle coach Ben Jeffries reckoned it was the best he had seen his young No.7 play, and Southwell has taken that form into NRLW. After four rounds, she had produced four try assists, three line break assists and is on a league-record run of 20 successful conversions. Tamika Upton (Broncos) Position: Fullback Age: 28 NRLW games: 41 An absolute superstar of the game, Upton was key to Newcastle's two premiership wins, being named player of the grand final in both. She was the 2023 Dally M Medallist and is one of the most lethal players going around. Upton has scored 31 tries across a 41-game NRLW career. This year, she has bagged five tries in four appearances, had four try assists and made seven line breaks. Returning to play at Newcastle for the first time since leaving the Knights and re-joining the Broncos. Michaela Brake (Warriors) Position: Winger Age: 29 NRLW games: 4 New to rugby league but a rugby sevens legend, the lightning-quick back has an impressive sporting dossier. She is a two-time World Rugby Sevens player of the year, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and two-time OIympic Games gold medallist. A tryscoring machine in rugby sevens, the Kiwi is also showing lethal qualities in her new code. In four NRLW appearances, Crake has scored two tries, had a league-high 29 tackle breaks, made four line breaks and is averaging 133 run metres per game. Ellie Johnston (Sharks) Position: Prop Age: 24 NRLW games: 39 A power-packed prop who has established herself as one of the most impactful forwards in the game. Helped lead the Sharks to last year's grand final and earned herself a NSW jersey in the process. She has clocked 193.4 post contact metres this year, is averaging 12 hit-ups a game, has made eight tackle breaks and produced six offloads. Can she be stopped? Simaima Taufa (Raiders) Position: Lock Age: 31 NRLW appearances: 42 An absolute workhorse and leader of the game, Taufa is a NSW and Australian representative and was the 2023 Dally M captain of the year. The Canberra captain is built for the grind, not afraid to do the hard stuff and leads by example. She is a tackling machine, tackling at almost 94 per cent efficiency and in the league's top-five players for tackles made this season. NRLW Magic Round is here and Newcastle is host to the historic occasion. Novocastrians love an event, and are unlikely to let a few forecast drops of rain - or even an absolute deluge - get in the way of filling the stands at McDonald Jones Stadium for two jam-packed days of women's rugby league action. Actually, not just any action, but the best in the world with a host of the game's superstars, many locally grown, on show. We've broken down why this weekend is huge not only for the city but also for women's rugby league, which has been going from strength to strength since the inception of the NRLW in 2018. Magic Round features all six NRL games at one venue - McDonald Jones Stadium - across Saturday and Sunday The concept started in England in 2007 as a way to promote the sport. It was adopted by the NRL in 2019 and has been staged annually in Brisbane to huge attendance ever since. It has a party, carnival-type atmosphere which extends beyond the games and venue. This is the first time the women's game has also been showcased on the same platform. All round-five NRLW exchanges will unfold in Newcastle. On Saturday, Gold Coast Titans play newcomers Canterbury (12.15pm), defending premiers and unbeaten leaders the Sydney Roosters battle Wests Tigers (2.15pm) and Brisbane face off with Cronulla (4.15pm). On Sunday, the Knights, who are on a three-game winning run, host the winless Canberra Raiders (1.45pm) in a match bookended by North Queensland's exchange with New Zealand Warriors (11.50am) and Parramatta's showdown with St George Illawarra (3.45pm). Novocastrians are proven die-hard sporting fans. Give us an event, and we'll be there. A then women's rugby league crowd record of 25,782 braved hideous, rain-soaked conditions when State of Origin came to the city last year. That strong turnout, and the regular home support shown to the Knights' NRLW side, helped secure this year's Origin finale and the first Magic Round. As part of a funding agreement with the NSW government, Magic Round will be held in regional NSW for the next three years. Newcastle is first cab off the rank, but if it is well attended, officials are understood to be open to returning next year. "We're hoping to hit the 10,000 mark each day," McDonald Jones Stadium venue manager Dean Mantle said on Friday. "That's our aim. Ticket sales are well and truly on track for that. We're still selling tickets, despite the weather. "People are still ready to come and it's a true testament to the support the people of the Hunter, the people of Newcastle have for the women's game of rugby league ... we've got tickets from as low as $10." The NRLW has exploded from four teams in 2018 to 12 this year, played across an 11-round format with a top-six finals series. Having a dedicated Magic Round to showcase the talent is another important step in the evolution of the women's game. While their male counterparts are full-time athletes, some on multimillion-dollar contracts, most NRLW players juggle their elite sporting commitments with full-time jobs. Home-grown Knights Yasmin Clydsdale and Olivia Higgins - both NSW and Australian representatives - are high school teachers in the local community. Representing your state and country sometimes means taking leave without pay from your other job, and having an understanding boss. The minimum wage for an NRLW player in 2023 was $30,000. This year it is $41,800, increasing to $50,600 by 2027. Both Clydsdale and Higgins were part of the first women's three-match Origin series last year and when NRL took women's footy to Las Vegas this year for the Jillaroos' clash with England. Magic Round is another milestone moment in the evolution of the women's game, and both are thrilled it's in their home town. "It's awesome that Newcastle gets to host the first-ever Magic Round," Higgins said. "I know it's supposed to rain but I think the Newy crowd will still get behind the teams. There will be some quality footy played, so I'm really excited to be part of that this weekend. "We have definitely spoken about Magic Round and being able to showcase some rugby league for our community, but I know there are plenty of other girls in other teams who are looking forward to coming to Newy because they know how much the crowd get behind the girls' game." The enormity of having the inaugural NRLW Magic Round in the city is not lost on Newcastle Rugby League general manager Adam Devcich. Giving young girls and women access to such events can help continue to grow the game at grassroots level. This year, Hunter Junior Rugby League (HJRL) female participation has risen by 39.79 per cent to 1588 girls playing in competitions from under fives through to under 18s. Last year, the Central Charlestown under-six Sparkles made history as the first all-girls mini team in HJRL. "The old adage is, you can't be what you can't see, and if we have an NRLW Magic Round front and centre in Newcastle, all of the girls and young women can see that this is something that they can aspire to," Devcich said. Higgins also acknowledged the impact accessibility to the game's stars can have on the growing number of girls and women taking up the sport. "There's such a haven here in Newcastle with young girls playing, but even in places like Mid North Coast," Higgins said. "I hope that those girls come and have a look at some of the talent because it's so exciting to have every club come together, and I know that the NRLW girls will stick around after and talk to the fans. "It's huge for the area, but it's huge for the game as well, and I think it will just keep building every year and hopefully Newy get to host it from hereon out." In conjunction with Magic Round, 60 aspiring NRLW players have been invited to Newcastle to be put through their paces across two days in a combine-style assessment. They will include former Matildas star Larissa Crummer, who has produced some eye-catching performances this year for Sunshine Coast in Queensland Women's Premiership. Well, for one, it's outstanding entertainment. The women's game has won fans over with its raw, no-nonsense and highly skilful style. Two, it's cheap as chips, well as cheap as chips used to be. Six games, two days and all for just $24. Or just $5 more if you're not a ticketed club member. And kids come free with a paying adult. No other professional sport can be watched live for that sort of money. Three, you can help support a good cause while you're there. Newcastle-based Breast Cancer Trials is the official match day charity partner for day one of the Magic Round. A number of generous corporate partners will match community donations throughout the weekend. Steeden have also produced a limited number of branded rugby league balls that have been signed by NRLW players and can be bid on as part of fundraising efforts. Four, Bluey will be in town. That's right, everyone's favourite blue heeler, and her sister Bingo, will be putting on live shows among a range of activities for the kids in an interactive precinct. Five, remember the old days when you could run onto the field after sporting events? Well, on Sunday afternoon, following the final match of Magic Round, that's exactly what all ticket-holders can do. Need we say more. The world's best rugby league players will be on show and there are sure to be plenty of stand-out performances. Here are some to keep an eye on: Isabelle Kelly (Roosters) Position: Centre Age: 28 NRLW games: 47 The Roosters captain has played NRLW since it began and is one of the most experienced competitors in the game. The NSW and Australian centre, who is leading the Dally M leaderboard after four rounds, has an incredible career strike rate of 20 tries in 47 appearances. This year, Kelly is averaging a whopping 227 run metres, has made nine line breaks, had 24 tackle breaks, scored three tries and assisted two. Jesse Southwell (Knights) Position: Halfback Age: 20 NRLW games: 31 At just 20 years of age, if the Kotara Bears junior isn't already arguably the best halfback in the game, she will be soon. Southwell guided the Knights to back-to-back premierships in 2022 and 2023, and steered NSW to State of Origin series glory this year. Newcastle coach Ben Jeffries reckoned it was the best he had seen his young No.7 play, and Southwell has taken that form into NRLW. After four rounds, she had produced four try assists, three line break assists and is on a league-record run of 20 successful conversions. Tamika Upton (Broncos) Position: Fullback Age: 28 NRLW games: 41 An absolute superstar of the game, Upton was key to Newcastle's two premiership wins, being named player of the grand final in both. She was the 2023 Dally M Medallist and is one of the most lethal players going around. Upton has scored 31 tries across a 41-game NRLW career. This year, she has bagged five tries in four appearances, had four try assists and made seven line breaks. Returning to play at Newcastle for the first time since leaving the Knights and re-joining the Broncos. Michaela Brake (Warriors) Position: Winger Age: 29 NRLW games: 4 New to rugby league but a rugby sevens legend, the lightning-quick back has an impressive sporting dossier. She is a two-time World Rugby Sevens player of the year, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and two-time OIympic Games gold medallist. A tryscoring machine in rugby sevens, the Kiwi is also showing lethal qualities in her new code. In four NRLW appearances, Crake has scored two tries, had a league-high 29 tackle breaks, made four line breaks and is averaging 133 run metres per game. Ellie Johnston (Sharks) Position: Prop Age: 24 NRLW games: 39 A power-packed prop who has established herself as one of the most impactful forwards in the game. Helped lead the Sharks to last year's grand final and earned herself a NSW jersey in the process. She has clocked 193.4 post contact metres this year, is averaging 12 hit-ups a game, has made eight tackle breaks and produced six offloads. Can she be stopped? Simaima Taufa (Raiders) Position: Lock Age: 31 NRLW appearances: 42 An absolute workhorse and leader of the game, Taufa is a NSW and Australian representative and was the 2023 Dally M captain of the year. The Canberra captain is built for the grind, not afraid to do the hard stuff and leads by example. She is a tackling machine, tackling at almost 94 per cent efficiency and in the league's top-five players for tackles made this season.
Sydney Morning Herald
20 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
For the NRLW, from little things big things grow
It was all about geography when the 2018 NRLW season kicked off with the Roosters, Dragons, Broncos and Warriors, with the NRL wanting to spread the love across two states and two countries. 'We think we've got the balance right for our first year and I would expect more NRL clubs to join the competition in the years ahead,' NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said at the time. Now, the footprint of the 12 NRLW teams spans from Townsville to Wollongong and across the Tasman to Auckland. Since 2018, NRLW viewership has grown 35 per cent annually, while attendances have increased 37.5 per cent year on year. Perhaps the starkest illustration of the growth of the women's game can be seen in State of Origin. Despite a dip in attendances during COVID-19, the interstate clash has drawn strong crowds since the introduction of a three-game series in 2024. As the game has become more professional, the quality – and quantity – of Origin matches has increased, leading to greater fan engagement. A big step was taken with the introduction of multi-year contracts for players in 2023. Before then, players were contracted for one season at a time, which made it hard for clubs to retain talent and develop the on-field understanding and combinations that come from longer-term knowledge of each other's games. Now, player contracting more closely resembles the men's game – though the salaries remain poles apart – and clubs can build their team around key players. For example, the Cowboys have secured key trio Emma Manzelmann, Jakiya Whitfeld and Lily Peacock until 2028 – something that was impossible when Kelly signed her first contract in 2018. The current state of play After expanding again in 2025 with the introduction of the Bulldogs and the Warriors, the NRLW is in a consolidation period. Further expansion in 2026 is unlikely but not completely out of the question, with NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo eager to increase quality before quantity. 'It would be a very short runway to expand in 2026,' Abdo said. 'Expansion is something that we've handled, and the commission has handled, in my view, very effectively. Whilst the commission has always said it's a priority to invest and grow in the women's game, it's [about] growth at all levels. A major aim of the consolidation period is creating a deep enough talent pool to sustain the women's game. In 2024, the state competitions were pushed back so that they ran concurrently with the NRLW. Previously, they began in February and players would compete in both the state competition and NRLW. It was a big adjustment for players, with many having effectively used the state competition as an NRLW pre-season, but it means the NRLW now has an established reserve grade league from where players can be elevated or dropped as needed – the same as the men's game. And an increase in quality duly followed. The 2024 season saw the highest ever ball-in-play average of 47.6 minutes per game, with the average margin of victory narrowing to 13.9 points. Women who were in junior pathways systems are now starting to find their way into the top grade. In 2018, the average age of an NRLW debutant was 27; now it's 21. Where to now? The goal for the NRLW is full-time professionalism. For now, most players juggle fulltime jobs with their NRLW careers – NSW and Eels fullback Abbi Church is a paramedic, while Eels halfback Rachael Pearson is a coalmining fitter and turner. Eventually, every NRL team will have an NRLW team. 'All of the NRL clubs that don't have an NRLW license have their own individual plan where they're working towards their readiness to have a team in NRLW,' Abdo said. 'We will continue working with them and the more that we invest and the more we see of investment in age group competitions and the programs to accelerate talent development, the more we're going to have the capacity to expand ... in a sustainable way where the competition quality actually improves, doesn't decrease.' For players like Kelly, who have seen the highs and lows of expansion across the past eight seasons, controlled growth is key. 'I think we've still got a few years to go until I think it would be best to go full-time,' Kelly said. 'Having it stay the same for a bit I think is probably the best [option] in keeping that product really high and making sure that everyone's developing at the same rate. I think it's always been a conscious thing with us girls that we've never wanted to go too big too soon.' Just as geography was a key factor in the make-up of the inaugural competition back in 2018, it remains a key consideration for further expansion. The Perth Bears and Papua New Guinea are the latest clubs to be handed NRL licenses, with the two teams to enter the competition in 2027 and 2028 respectively. Abdo said the plan for NRLW teams was 'essential' when Perth and PNG were awarded teams. Loading 'Both are areas where we don't have any league, men's or women's, teams and both are hugely important development areas for us,' Abdo said. 'The game plan for both Western Australia and Papua New Guinea is to open up talent development from an early age for both mens and women's, boys and girls, and the business case and the consideration of the awarding of the license to those two regions had built into both an NRL and NRLW license over time. 'What I can say to you is the blueprint and the business plan absolutely includes a women's team, but what I can't say to you is what year they will enter the competition, but that will become clearer over time as those pathways an investments take shape.'
The Age
20 hours ago
- The Age
For the NRLW, from little things big things grow
It was all about geography when the 2018 NRLW season kicked off with the Roosters, Dragons, Broncos and Warriors, with the NRL wanting to spread the love across two states and two countries. 'We think we've got the balance right for our first year and I would expect more NRL clubs to join the competition in the years ahead,' NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said at the time. Now, the footprint of the 12 NRLW teams spans from Townsville to Wollongong and across the Tasman to Auckland. Since 2018, NRLW viewership has grown 35 per cent annually, while attendances have increased 37.5 per cent year on year. Perhaps the starkest illustration of the growth of the women's game can be seen in State of Origin. Despite a dip in attendances during COVID-19, the interstate clash has drawn strong crowds since the introduction of a three-game series in 2024. As the game has become more professional, the quality – and quantity – of Origin matches has increased, leading to greater fan engagement. A big step was taken with the introduction of multi-year contracts for players in 2023. Before then, players were contracted for one season at a time, which made it hard for clubs to retain talent and develop the on-field understanding and combinations that come from longer-term knowledge of each other's games. Now, player contracting more closely resembles the men's game – though the salaries remain poles apart – and clubs can build their team around key players. For example, the Cowboys have secured key trio Emma Manzelmann, Jakiya Whitfeld and Lily Peacock until 2028 – something that was impossible when Kelly signed her first contract in 2018. The current state of play After expanding again in 2025 with the introduction of the Bulldogs and the Warriors, the NRLW is in a consolidation period. Further expansion in 2026 is unlikely but not completely out of the question, with NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo eager to increase quality before quantity. 'It would be a very short runway to expand in 2026,' Abdo said. 'Expansion is something that we've handled, and the commission has handled, in my view, very effectively. Whilst the commission has always said it's a priority to invest and grow in the women's game, it's [about] growth at all levels. A major aim of the consolidation period is creating a deep enough talent pool to sustain the women's game. In 2024, the state competitions were pushed back so that they ran concurrently with the NRLW. Previously, they began in February and players would compete in both the state competition and NRLW. It was a big adjustment for players, with many having effectively used the state competition as an NRLW pre-season, but it means the NRLW now has an established reserve grade league from where players can be elevated or dropped as needed – the same as the men's game. And an increase in quality duly followed. The 2024 season saw the highest ever ball-in-play average of 47.6 minutes per game, with the average margin of victory narrowing to 13.9 points. Women who were in junior pathways systems are now starting to find their way into the top grade. In 2018, the average age of an NRLW debutant was 27; now it's 21. Where to now? The goal for the NRLW is full-time professionalism. For now, most players juggle fulltime jobs with their NRLW careers – NSW and Eels fullback Abbi Church is a paramedic, while Eels halfback Rachael Pearson is a coalmining fitter and turner. Eventually, every NRL team will have an NRLW team. 'All of the NRL clubs that don't have an NRLW license have their own individual plan where they're working towards their readiness to have a team in NRLW,' Abdo said. 'We will continue working with them and the more that we invest and the more we see of investment in age group competitions and the programs to accelerate talent development, the more we're going to have the capacity to expand ... in a sustainable way where the competition quality actually improves, doesn't decrease.' For players like Kelly, who have seen the highs and lows of expansion across the past eight seasons, controlled growth is key. 'I think we've still got a few years to go until I think it would be best to go full-time,' Kelly said. 'Having it stay the same for a bit I think is probably the best [option] in keeping that product really high and making sure that everyone's developing at the same rate. I think it's always been a conscious thing with us girls that we've never wanted to go too big too soon.' Just as geography was a key factor in the make-up of the inaugural competition back in 2018, it remains a key consideration for further expansion. The Perth Bears and Papua New Guinea are the latest clubs to be handed NRL licenses, with the two teams to enter the competition in 2027 and 2028 respectively. Abdo said the plan for NRLW teams was 'essential' when Perth and PNG were awarded teams. Loading 'Both are areas where we don't have any league, men's or women's, teams and both are hugely important development areas for us,' Abdo said. 'The game plan for both Western Australia and Papua New Guinea is to open up talent development from an early age for both mens and women's, boys and girls, and the business case and the consideration of the awarding of the license to those two regions had built into both an NRL and NRLW license over time. 'What I can say to you is the blueprint and the business plan absolutely includes a women's team, but what I can't say to you is what year they will enter the competition, but that will become clearer over time as those pathways an investments take shape.'
