Do you believe in magic? Who would have thought you can get all the teams in the NRL playing at the home of rugby league, Suncorp Stadium, over one weekend.
For all you rugby league tragics: strap yourself in for the ride of your life!
This concept was introduced in the Super League back in 2007 and is still a regular fixture there today. I was fortunate enough to play in three Magic Rounds while I was playing in the UK. I can’t tell you how crazy it is.
Its like a grand final atmosphere but having fans from every club flying their colours not just your typical two teams that play on the day.
I will be heading down there this weekend and this time instead of playing, I can enjoy the moment as a fan.
Roosters v Raiders halves to entertain
This one was a tough one to pick but I have gone with the Roosters V Raiders as my match of the round. It’s 1 v 3.
This game will see if the Raiders are serious title contenders. It’s unfortunate that John Bateman is out for the Raiders, he’s been one of the buys of the season from the Super League. He will be sorely missed.
There will be a David v Goliath showdown in the halves, Keary’s 85 kg, 179 cm frame taking on the 95 kg, 189 cm frame of Jack Wighton who is a newbie in the halves but has shown that he is a powerful runner and has scored three tries to Keary’s one.
Add in Latrell who decimated the Tigers last week with a hat-trick, amassing 26 points on his own.
Former teammate marks special milestone
This also is a special game for a former team mate of mine – Cooper Cronk. He has played in eight grandfinals and won three at two different clubs.
He surpasses another great in the game, in Darren Lockyer who finished on 355 NRL games. Coops plays his 356th game this week, a big congratulations mate. Only one person in front of him now, another former teammate of mine, Cameron Smith who plays his 393rd game this weekend.
I’m backing the Roosters to be up for Cooper’s milestone….
My upset of the round is Manly v Broncos. This doubles up as a home game for the Broncos and I’m hoping they can pull something out of the bag this week for the win, they sure need it!
Kaufusi’s Call:
Titans v Sharks
Tigers v Panthers
Sea Eagles v Broncos
Bulldogs v Knights
Warriors v Dragons
Storm v Eels
Roosters v Raiders
Rabbitohs v Cowboys
Read more about Antonio Kaufusi.
