LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The NRL is currently facing a major setback as some of its star players, including Nathan Cleary and Kalyn Ponga, are sidelined due to injuries.
This development has raised concerns about the scheduling of Magic Round, a highly anticipated event in the rugby league calendar.
With the competition at a crucial stage after 10 rounds, teams are gearing up to showcase their skills at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
However, the absence of key players like Cleary and Ponga has left fans feeling somewhat deflated.
Despite the disappointment, all three days of the round have been sold out, with 140,000 fans expected to attend the festivities, boosting Brisbane's tourism revenue by an estimated $40 million.
The game's top halfback, Cleary, will be sorely missed by the Panthers as he sits out the Origin series due to a recurring hamstring injury.
Similarly, Ponga is facing a 12-week hiatus following a serious foot injury earlier in the season.
Injuries have plagued the league since the start of the season, with players like Mitchell Moses and Adam Reynolds facing extended spells on the sidelines.
Despite some uncertainty, fans remain eager to see how their teams will fare in the absence of these star players.