Before COVID, the NRL pushed the Magic Round. All eight matches played across three days at a single venue. Fantastic idea, and I’m glad they have tried to keep it up during COVID times, and have also put on double headers while up in Queensland.
However, the idea isn’t new. In 1977, the NSWRL had the same concept across the Anzac Weekend in 1977. It was known as the League-A-Thon, and all games were played at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The key interest was the match between 1976 Premiers, Manly going up against Easts, featuring the Sea-Eagles 1976 captain, Bob Fulton. Mark Harris scored two tries, and Fulton also scored as the Roosters belted Manly 20-0
Parramatta must have been grateful to not have to play Western Suburbs at Lidcombe Oval, where they had an awful record for much of the 1970s. Both teams scored two tries, but six goals from Mick Cronin helped the Eels get home 18-10.
Young South Sydney fullback Steve Little scored all 12 of his team’s points, but the Bunnies were pipped 13-12 by Canterbury. Bob McCarthy scored a try against his old club, while the decisive field goal was kicked by Steve Mortimer.
Penrith and Balmain went back and forth before settling for a 19-19 draw. Test fullback Allan McMahon, and future ABC TV commentator Warren Boland each scored a try for the Tigers, while English test hooker Mike Stephenson crossed for the Panthers.
Steve Rogers had a day to remember for Cronulla in their 37-10 thumping of Newtown. Rogers finished with 19 points, while Sharks’ winger Steve Edmonds scored three tries. Future test fullback Phil Sigsworth kicked two goals for the Jets.
Eventual 1977 Premiers St George defeated North Sydney 25-8. Young Queensland centre Graham Quinn bagged two tries for the Dragons, and Ted Goodwin also scored. North Sydney remained at the bottom of the ladder without a win after six rounds.
Just over 66,000 fans attended the League-A-Thon over the three days. In 1978, all twelve teams again played at the SCG over two days, with just under 70,000 attending.
The concept was viewed as a success at the time, but faded into history for the next forty years.
Do you have memories of the era? Please comment below.