So nice, we should have it twice: Why Johns wants NZ Magic Round

The ink on the Queensland Government’s contract to host Magic Round through to 2032 has barely dried.

However, Matty Johns believes the ARLC should look at having a second version of the Rugby League festival across the ditch.

Having introduced the concept in 2019, Magic Round has proven to be a success with fans, with just under 150,000 fans descending upon Suncorp Stadium for the three days.

Throughout the event, the presence of Warriors fans was noticeable, with many having travelled to pack out Lang Park for their 42-12 win against the Broncos.

With the interest in the Warriors as high as ever, Johns is keen to capitalise on the interest in the sport.

And the 1997 Premiership player thinks that having Magic Round in Auckland would help continue to grow it.

“I'm always conscious (that), less is more, and we do one (already), Johns explained on SEN 1170 and SENQ’s The Run Home.

“But I honestly believe that we should have one on, this time of the year, maybe a couple of weeks earlier, and then put one on about Round 18 in Auckland.

“Because it's almost like a thank you to New Zealand, the Warriors fans.

“Like, the Warriors fans every year get the gold medal.

“It's insane, how much they get behind the game, and how much the game is growing there exponentially every single year.

“I just think it'd be a great concept to put it over there.”