LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken

Magicians of NRLW Magic Round: 2025's top performers

Despite the challenging weather conditions, the inaugural NRLW Magic Round delivered exhilarating performances on the field. Unpredictable storms caused two pauses due to lightning, yet the players managed to rise above the interruptions, showcasing their talent for the dedicated fans who braved the elements.

Among the highlights were remarkable displays from both established superstars and fresh talent, with four standout performances likely to be remembered for years to come.

One of the most memorable was rising Warriors star Ivana Lauitiiti. In her NRLW debut at Magic Round, she mirrored her father's legendary feats, Ali Lauitiiti, by scoring a try in her first-grade debut. Initially signed on a development contract, the 19-year-old prop made a significant impact during her debut, scoring a powerful try in the first half and delivering a game-changing defensive hit to ensure the Warriors secured their first away victory since returning to the NRLW this season.

Meanwhile, Roosters captain Isabelle Kelly shone in her team's commanding 34-4 victory over the Wests Tigers, scoring two tries and clocking 202 running metres. Her overall performance was impressive, featuring three tackle breaks, two line breaks, and 16 tackles with zero misses. As a key player, Kelly led her side effectively. By the end of the season, she was second only to premiership-winning centre Julia Robinson in total run metres, with Kelly accumulating 2314 metres over 12 games compared to Robinson's 2674.