Rabbitohs Confirmed for Saturday Night Clash with Cowboys at Magic Round 2027
The Rabbitohs will face the North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, 15 May, as the biggest ever NRL Magic Round was confirmed today. Kick-off is 5:30pm, with the match live on Fox.
For the first time, Magic Round 2027 will feature nine Premiership matches across four days, from Thursday, 13 May to Sunday, 16 May. The Rabbitohs and Cowboys will headline a big Saturday program, which also features the Perth Bears in their first ever Magic Round match against the Parramatta Eels in the afternoon, and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks taking on the Melbourne Storm at night.
Biggest Magic Round Yet
For the first time, Magic Round will feature nine Premiership matches across four days, played at Suncorp Stadium from Thursday, 13 May to Sunday, 16 May.
Australian Rugby League Commission Executive Chairman Peter V'landys AM launched the schedule in Brisbane alongside the Hon. Andrew Powell MP, Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, the Hon. Tim Mander, Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Deputy Mayor of Brisbane Fiona Cunningham.
The Rabbitohs and Cowboys headline the Saturday program, which also features the Perth Bears in their first ever Magic Round match against the Parramatta Eels in the afternoon and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks against the Melbourne Storm at night.
Other highlights include a standalone Thursday night opener between the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers, premiers Sydney Roosters taking on the Dolphins on Friday night, and the Gold Coast Titans, Warriors and Grand Finalists Newcastle Knights all featuring on Sunday.
"This will be the biggest ever Magic Round, with nine Premiership matches over four days and a week of activity around Queensland," Mr V'landys said. "There is no better event in Australian sport, and nothing compares to it.
"Thanks to the new partnership with the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, we will keep making Magic Round bigger, louder and better every single year through to 2032.
"In 2027, Magic Round will grow, and the whole city of Brisbane will come alive like never before. It's the biggest and best weekend of entertainment for fans of all ages."
Magic Round 2027 Draw
Thursday, 13 May
- Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos, 7:50pm (Nine)
Friday, 14 May
- Wests Tigers v Canberra Raiders, 6:00pm (Fox)
- Sydney Roosters v Dolphins, 8:00pm (Nine)
Saturday, 15 May
- Perth Bears v Parramatta Eels, 3:00pm (Fox)
- South Sydney Rabbitohs v North Queensland Cowboys, 5:30pm (Fox)
- Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Melbourne Storm, 7:35pm (Fox)
Sunday, 16 May
- Gold Coast Titans v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, 2:00pm (Fox)
- Warriors v St George Illawarra Dragons, 4:05pm (Nine)
- Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Newcastle Knights, 6:15pm (Fox)
Queensland Round and Women's State of Origin
The NRL also confirmed that round 14 of the 2027 NRL Premiership will include a Queensland Round, featuring two matches at Suncorp Stadium involving all four Queensland-based teams. The Brisbane Broncos will play the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday, 5 June, while the Dolphins will host the Cowboys on Sunday, 6 June.
The second Women's State of Origin fixture of 2027 will be played at QCB Stadium in Townsville on Wednesday, 12 May, opening five days of football in Queensland.
Government and Council Support
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said Magic Round was a major part of Queensland's events story.
"We're cementing Queensland's reputation as Australia's events capital, and Magic Round is a huge part of that story," Mr Powell said.
"Major events bring visitors through our doors, fill hotel rooms, pack restaurants and put money into the pockets of local businesses.
"Through our Destination 2045 plan, we're building Queensland's events calendar into a $4 billion industry by 2045, because we know major events drive tourism, support jobs and deliver real economic benefits for Queenslanders."
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the event showcased the state to the nation and the world.
"Magic Round demonstrated Queensland's ability to deliver world-class sporting events," Mr Mander said.
"Queensland is the home of Magic Round and every year it presents the opportunity for us to showcase our state on a national and international stage and reinforces our reputation as the home of major events.
"As we build towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, events like Magic Round help strengthen Queensland's credentials as the home of Australian sport."
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane was proud to have backed Magic Round from day one, with this year's event generating $58.7 million for the economy and backing local jobs and businesses.
"Magic Round's record result shows what happens when a whole city gets behind a major event," Cr Schrinner said.
"From Caxton Street to King George Square, the whole city gets into the footy spirit, with free and affordable festivities giving families more ways to enjoy the action without spending a fortune.
"Together with the Crisafulli Government, we've locked in Magic Round until 2032, and next year's week-long footy festival will give fans and local businesses even more to look forward to."
How to Get There
NRL Travel packages are on sale now at travel.nrl.com.
Four-day passes go on sale to Club Members and NRL Account Holders on Monday, 30 November, and to the general public on Tuesday, 1 December. Single-day tickets go on sale to Club Members and NRL Account Holders on Monday, 7 December, and to the general public on Tuesday, 8 December.
