A Night of Music and Magic at the Caxton Hotel
On a Friday night during the Magic Round, Lindal Ngata, a towering Māori man from Christchurch’s east, became the star of the show at the Caxton Hotel in Brisbane. With his powerful voice and a guitar in hand, he entertained fans with hit after hit, drawing cheers from Warriors supporters who had traveled across the Tasman to celebrate the rugby league event.
Ngata, accompanied by his wife Michelle and several friends, was among thousands of Warriors fans who made the journey from New Zealand. The Caxton Hotel, known for its lively atmosphere, was buzzing with energy as fans gathered to watch matches on a big screen. The Sharks’ victory over the Bulldogs and the Dolphins’ win against the Rabbitohs were just some of the highlights of the night, but the real entertainment came from Ngata and his group, who played songs that brought people together.
The scene at the Caxton Hotel gave a glimpse into what was to come—a weekend filled with excitement and unity. On Sunday afternoon, Warriors fans gathered at the top of Caxton Street and marched down towards Suncorp Stadium for their team’s game against the Broncos. This march, known as a hīkoi in Māori, turned the street into a sea of Warriors jerseys and chants.
“Waaaaarrrrriiiooooorrrrrsssss, Waaaaarrrrriiiooooorrrrrsssss,” the fans chanted, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The march, organized by the Warrior Nation Supporters Club, was bigger than ever this year, with the club working closely with the police to ensure everything ran smoothly.
One officer even captured video of the event, showing the sheer scale of the crowd. As the fans poured down the hill, there was a sense of camaraderie and shared passion. “There’ll be no one left in New Zealand!” joked a fan in a Parramatta jersey, highlighting the widespread support for the Warriors.
A Celebration of Rugby League
What makes Magic Round so special is its ability to bring together fans from all walks of life. Whether they are young or old, from different clubs, or even from different countries, everyone is united by their love for rugby league. “It’s brilliant,” said the Mount Smart Joker, a diehard fan known for his Heath Ledger-inspired face paint. “It’s like the Milan Fashion Show of rugby league!”
Among the hundreds of thousands of fans in Brisbane were Jo and Toni from Bundaberg. Jo supports the Eels, while Toni follows the Cowboys. “Just meeting new people,” Jo said when asked about what she loves about Magic Round. Meanwhile, Dave and Collette, an English couple from Batley, moved to Australia 25 years ago and now live in Perth as Perth Bears fans. Dave, with his big beard and tattoos, admitted he enjoyed the event but wasn’t a fan of the prices in the pubs.
Not everyone wore their team’s colors. Three local men—Paul, Chris, and Luke—dressed as referees, showing their unique style. “It’s cool to see how far and wide people come from to enjoy it,” Chris said. “Everyone is having a good time.”
The Future of Magic Round
As the Magic Round weekend came to a close, it was announced that Brisbane will remain the home of the annual festival until 2032, the year of the Brisbane Olympics. There had been discussions about moving the event around, including a potential location in New Zealand, but Ngata believes keeping it in Brisbane is the best decision.
“I don’t think it should leave here, to be honest,” he said. “They’ve got everything set up here. The culture’s great, and Caxton Street – I don’t think you’ll get anywhere else like it. And it’s quite central for us to come to, and for others to come to as well. If we can stay here it’d be great.”
A Unique Experience
Magic Round is more than just a rugby league event—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and passion. From the music at the Caxton Hotel to the massive march down Caxton Street, every moment is filled with energy and enthusiasm. Fans from all over the world come together to support their teams, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
Whether it’s the chants echoing through the streets or the joy of seeing familiar faces, Magic Round offers something for everyone. It’s a testament to the power of sport to bring people together, and a reminder of the deep connections that exist beyond the field.
