'This wasn't just the first Magic Round, it was a key stepping stone into the plethora of opportunities the NRLW has coming its way'

Laughs became screams, and screams became tears as the first-ever NRWL Magic Round kicked off a pivotal moment in women's rugby league.

Despite leaving Newcastle drenched to the bone, I've somehow left more in love with rugby league than when I arrived.

Thousands of fans, myself included, were grateful to witness the magic!

READ MORE: First look at beloved Aussie star in The Devil Wears Prada 2

Women's sports in general are experiencing exponential growth in visibility and demand.

With high attendance and a growing TV audience in the NRLW, it's evident that there is significant market demand for more high-level women's rugby league.

Magic Round is a substantial part of the men's NRL league, and making history, the women's league has incorporated its own.

Mirroring the success of the men's format, the 12 NRLW teams competed over a two-day tournament at the Newcastle Knights' home stadium, McDonald Jones.

With 9Now, I was given the opportunity to spend the weekend in Newcastle, witnessing and covering this historic moment.

As someone who has always enjoyed women's sports across the board and been a huge advocate for women doing anything boys can do, seeing this opportunity come through my inbox was a no-brainer.

I had never physically attended an NRLW game and was so excited to be immersed in the culture and learn about the sport.

The weather wasn't necessarily kind, let's just say slicked-back hairstyles and umbrellas were prominent, but even with multiple lightning delays and muddy fields, NOTHING could dull the fans' energy.

Walking into the stadium, I took it all in, so many people in one area with one thing in common – backing the girls.

To see so many individuals unite, no matter age or gender, to support the women's league brought a tear to my eye.

Little girls wrapped up in their merch, face paint smudged, with their hair in braids to match their idols.

It made me realise how much moments like this matter.

Not just for the players, but for the fans watching in the stands.

Whilst soaking up every drop of NRLW goodness, I was also meeting my followers.

The girls' beaming faces seeing me at the game were very rewarding, almost as if to say, "thank you for supporting this too".

It was a huge reminder to me why being someone with influence, and showing up, matters.

View gallery

From the pitch to the pool: The 'power couples' of Aussie sport

I spent my days creating behind-the-scenes content on 9Now and Channel 9 socials.

Whether it be touring the stadium, from the commentators' box to the broadcast bus, player warm-ups, and even chilling in the player tunnel.

Seeing all the strong women behind the scenes created even more sentiment behind the games.

Day one, I was interviewed by Marlee Silva, a strong advocate for women's sport.

She asked me what it meant to be here, and I recapped by saying, "It's amazing... already the atmosphere has blown me away".

READ MORE: John Cena reveals how cruel taunts pushed him to cosmetic surgery

This wasn't just the first Magic Round, it was a key stepping stone into the plethora of opportunities the NRLW has coming its way.

Their slogan, 'Same game, our way,' was brought to life.

The girls tackled hard, fought hard, and cheered each other on even harder.

For every player who worked their entire life to get here and every girl dreaming of the same, the future of footy is here, and it's magic.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.