There was a special kind of energy in the air during this year’s Magic Round and for a small group of holiday-makers, it quickly became an unforgettable experience filled with excitement. With this group, one thing was clear: they live and breathe footy. The highlight of the weekend came when their beloved Cronulla Sharks took to the field. As proud and passionate Sharks fans, the guys didn’t hold back. With every strong play and every try, their energy was impossible to miss, cheering loudly and celebrating alongside thousands of fellow fans.

Team spirit wasn’t just shown through the cheering, it was worn with pride. Everyone arrived dressed in their favourite team colours, turning the group into a vibrant celebration of rugby league. One of the boys, in particular, stood out – bringing an impressive collection of jerseys, rotating between nearly eight different shirts depending on which team he was supporting. It was a great reflection of the excitement and enthusiasm shared across the group.

There was plenty of merchandise to go around, too, with the guys snapping up jerseys, hats and drink coolers to take home as memories of the long weekend. Seeing players up close was another highlight, bringing them closer to the action than ever before.

Away from the stadium, the weekend offered just as much fun and adventure. The group, who were supported by their Civic team, enjoyed delicious pub lunches, caught buses and spent time walking around the city. Travelling via public transport to and from the stadium became a key part of the experience, which the group embraced.

Just as meaningful were the interactions with the broader community at the stadium. Members of the public approached the group to chat about the games, shared in the excitement and even gifted hats. These moments made the group feel welcomed and truly included in the atmosphere of the event.

The boys have continued to talk about Magic Round and are already looking forward to attending again next year. The excitement of the games and the energy of the crowd made the event both empowering and enjoyable. Overall, being part of such a large-scale event provided a strong sense of inclusion, pride and connection, making it a truly special experience for all.