Newcastle Rugby League chief executive officer Matt Harris said a ‘Magic Round’ remained on the table for 2020 and beyond despite clubs opting not to introduce the concept next year.
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The 2019 draw was officially released by Newcastle RL on Monday without any major changes to the home-and-away season, but Harris said the idea would continue being discussed.
A first-grade only model of four matches played on the same day at the same venue, most likely No.2 Sportsground and Cessnock, was proposed with profits to be split between the eight district clubs and Newcastle RL.
“It’s definitely not off the table,” Harris told Fairfax Media.
“The clubs were relatively open and supportive of the concept. The main concerns were around whether or not split profits from those days would make up for the loss of a home game and dropping two rounds of lower grades.
“But we see an opportunity in it, we’ll bring it up again down the track and it may be something we roll out for season 2020.”
A ‘Magic Round’ has been incorporated into the NRL draw for next season with all eight games, including the Newcastle Knights, being played at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium from May 9 to 12.
Harris also said Sydney club Newtown had recently run a successful ‘Footy, Food, and Beer Festival’.
The “festival and community” type feel, which Harris hopes to eventually replicate, would now be “trialled” as part of the third annual Newcastle RL Indigenous All Stars fixture at No.2 Sportsground on March 30.
“We want to look at it as more of an event, not just the football,” Harris said.
“So with local food stalls, a coaching clinic and charity partners as well as a few games of quality league.”
The existing 16-round structure remains the same for Newcastle RL in 2019 with all eight clubs facing off twice in the regular season from April 13 to August 25.
The extra rounds, with two teams playing against each other for a third time, were again selected in a ballot-style draw.
The main point of difference next year will be stand-alone representative rounds, corresponding with breaks in the Ron Massey Cup competition which is also run by NSW Rugby League.
The Newcastle Rebels are scheduled to meet the Ron Massey side at Maitland Sportsground on May 11.
Harris said the under-20 Emerging Rebels and Newcastle ladies league tag squads are also expected to feature. The ensuing NSWRL Pioneers and Queensland Rugby League Rangers encounter is scheduled for the weekend of June 29 and 30.
The 2019 decider is set for McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday, September 22.
