Heavy rain and thunderstorms significantly impacted the opening day of the inaugural NRLW Magic Round in Newcastle, leading to delays and challenging playing conditions. All three matches on the first day of this two-day event were affected by torrential weather, with the match between the Roosters and Tigers temporarily halted due to an approaching thunderstorm.
Just five minutes into the second half, with the Roosters leading 20-4, play was suspended for 35 minutes after lightning was detected nearby. Such delays are rare in first-grade rugby league, but not without precedent; a similar interruption occurred during a men’s match between Canterbury and South Sydney in June 2023.
The adverse weather conditions made handling the ball particularly difficult. In the day’s opening match, the Bulldogs faced off against the Titans, resulting in a 14-all draw—the first stalemate in the competition’s seven-year history. Bulldogs captain Tayla Preston commented on the challenges, stating, “You have to play in any conditions at the end of the day. Errors are going to happen in that weather, but there was a period of about five minutes where none of us could see the ball or the players.”
Despite the slippery conditions, the event drew a supportive crowd to Hunter Stadium. In the second match of the day, the Roosters resumed their dominance after the delay, ultimately defeating the Tigers with a score of 34-6. Star centre Isabelle Kelly stood out, scoring twice as her team maintained its unbeaten status, showcasing a strong performance amidst the weather challenges.
As the day concluded, the final match featured Brisbane against Cronulla, with another triple-header scheduled for Sunday. However, forecasts indicate further rain, with up to 35mm expected in the Hunter region, raising concerns about the continuation of the festivities.
In light of the weather, Titans captain Georgia Hale expressed her appreciation for the event and the fans who attended. “The occasion of the weekend is really special. It’s great to create history and be in the inaugural game,” Hale said. “To still see bums on seats supporting our game, and hopefully they stay for the entire weekend, was really special. It’s hard to reflect on our own performance and put a smile on it, though we really wanted the two points today.”
As the NRLW Magic Round continues, teams will need to adapt to the unpredictable weather while striving for victory on the field. The resilience of players and fans alike will be tested, but the excitement of the inaugural event remains palpable.
