Stat Attack: The numbers behind Magic Round

As the NRL celebrates the fifth instalment of Magic Round in 2024, we're looking back at some of the standout statistics and trends which have shaped the annual event to date.

From sensational try-scoring records to undefeated runs and stellar debuts, these are the numbers behind Magic Round. 

• Everything you need to know about NRL Magic Round

Tries, tries and more tries

Indigenous flyers Josh Addo-Carr and Selwyn Cobbo each boast brilliant try-scoring rates at Magic Round and are yet to play at the event and not score a try. Remarkably Cobbo has scored Magic Round hat-tricks against the Sea Eagles in consecutive seasons, ahead of facing Manly again this year in the second game on Friday night. Addo-Carr meanwhile bagged five tries during his time with the Storm and added another as the Bulldogs’ lone try-scorer in 2022, before missing last year's event.

A happy hunting ground for Queensland 

Queensland sides have a perfect record in each of the past two Magic Rounds, with the Dolphins - in their inaugural visit to the event - joining the Broncos, Titans and Cowboys in completing a clean sweep last season. The year prior Brisbane shutout Manly 38-0, the Cowboys powered past the Wests Tigers 36-12 and the Titans snuck a victory over the Dragons in golden point to make it three wins for the home state sides. This year it’s a possibility again, with none of the Queensland sides facing each other. The Broncos need to beat the Sea Eagles for the third-straight year, while the Cowboys are up against the Rabbitohs, the Titans face the Knights and Dolphins take on the Wests Tigers.

The masters of Magic

The Rabbitohs are a perfect four from four at Magic Round, having so far beaten the Warriors, Storm, Sharks and Cowboys, who they’ll face again this year as they look to continue their domination at the Suncorp Stadium showpiece. At the other end of the scale the Bulldogs and Dragons are both yet to win in four trips to Magic Round. A bye this year means St George Illawarra won’t take part, while the Bulldogs will have the chance to rid themselves of that unwanted stat when they meet the Raiders, who have narrowly got the better of them in each of the past two seasons at Magic Round. 

Memorable Magic firsts

Ten players have been called up to make their NRL debut during Magic Round so far, led by the Wests Tigers who have had three players run out at first-grade level for the first time at the event. Since their Magic Round debut the likes of Jesse Arthars, J’maine Hopgood and Zac Woolford have gone on to become NRL regulars, but none on the list can match Dolphins powerhouse Valynce Te Whare in terms of that maiden performance. After being a late call up to the backline, Te Whare stole the show with two tries in an eye-catching performance which helped his side beat the Sharks last year.