NRLW Round 5 doubles as the second-ever edition of Magic Round for the women’s game and it arrives with plenty of storylines to untangle. 

Wagga Wagga plays host for the first time, the inaugural edition took place in Newcastle, and the regional setting adds an extra layer of occasion to what promises to be a blockbuster weekend of women's rugby league.

Six matches. Two days. One venue and plenty to unpack. Let’s dive in! For the latest analysis, news and betting tips for Magic Round, check out our NRLW Round 5 tips and predictions below. 

Cronulla Sharks Women vs West Tigers Women Prediction 

Saturday, August 1, 11:35pm AEST - Geohex Park

The Magic Round festivities at Geohex Park in NRLW Round 5 get underway with the Sharks taking on the Tigers. 

Cronulla come into this one on the back of a 22–10 win over the Raiders last week, demonstrating the kind of defensive solidity that makes them hard to put away. T

The Tigers, meanwhile, copped a 48–10 hammering from the Roosters last week, a result that exposed real structural issues in their defensive line.

To add to their woes, Sarah Togatuki faces a potential suspension for a Grade 1 Contrary Conduct charge (second offence), while four other Tigers players, Shaylee Bent, Shenai Lendill, Brooke Talataina, and Portia Bourke, were all also charged with Grade 1 offences. Even if those players are available, the distraction won't help.

Betting tip: Cronulla Sharks Women. 

St George Illawarra Dragons Women vs Sydney Roosters Women Prediction

Saturday, August 1, 2:15pm AEST - Geohex Park

The Dragons head into NRLW Magic Round in rough shape. Madison Mulhall and Hannah Southwell (both knee injuries) are uncertain, while Maria Paseka and Keele Browne are confirmed absentees with hamstring injuries, which is a lot of experience to lose in one hit.

The Rooster task is also complicated by the absence of Tarryn Aiken, currently sidelined with a shoulder injury and not expected to return until Round 6, who sits third on the Dally M leaderboard with 11 points. 

With Aiken out, Jocelyn Kelleher becomes the focal point of the Roosters' attack, and she'll need to lead from the front against a Dragons side that, injuries aside, will be fired up following a 28–8 loss to the Bulldogs last week. We’re backing a player of her calibre to get the job done. 

Betting tip: Sydney Roosters Women. 

Canberra Raiders Women vs North Queensland Cowboys Women Prediction

Saturday, August 1, 4:15pm AEST - Geohex Park

The Raiders enter NRLW Round 5 without Jordyn Preston, who is serving a one-match suspension after a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact charge.

This is a significant blow given Preston's influence on Canberra's ball-playing structures, so Dally M hopeful Sheridan Gallagher will need to pick up the slack.

Their opponents the Cowboys were thumped 34–6 by the Titans last week in a performance that raised serious questions about their competitiveness at the top level. 

Canberra are the better-equipped side, even with Preston missing, and a home-ground atmosphere, of sorts, in Wagga Wagga should help them have a very magic round indeed. 

Betting tip: Canberra Raiders Women. 

Canterbury Bulldogs Women vs Brisbane Broncos Women Prediction

Sunday, August 2, 12:00pm AEST - Geohex Park

This is easily the standout fixture of NRLW Magic Round, so make sure not to miss it! 

The Bulldogs are flying after a 28–8 demolition of the Dragons, while the Broncos, led by Dally M leaders Tamika Upton (12 points) and Jesse Southwell (10 points), remain the benchmark team in the competition.

Brisbane come in missing Lillian Yarrow (head knock), which could blunt their attacking options slightly. 

Still, the Broncos ran up 30 points against top four contenders Newcastle last week and are showing no signs of slowing down.

Betting tip: Brisbane Broncos Women.

New Zealand Warriors Women vs Gold Coast Titans Women Prediction

Sunday, August 2, 1:45pm AEST - Geohex Park

The penultimate game of NRLW Round 5 sees New Zealand take on the Gold Coast in what should be a magical affair. 

The Warriors produced one of the results of Round 4, edging the Eels 14–12 in a tight contest. 

They head to Wagga Wagga with injury concerns however, with Payton Takimoana (shoulder) and high-profile recruit Mele Hufanga (hamstring) both still in doubt. 

The Titans crushed the Cowboys 34–6 last week and boast Teagan Levi (9 Dally M points) in impressive form. 

Gold Coast have plenty of injuries of their own with Georgia Grey (finger), Jess Elliston (MCL), and Destiny Mino-Sinapati (knee) all absent, however, they have the depth to absorb these losses.

Betting tip: Gold Coast Titans Women. 

Parramatta Eels Women vs Newcastle Knights Women Prediction

Sunday, August 2, 4:00pm AEST - Geohex Park

NRLW Magic Round comes to a close for another year when the Parramatta Eels take on the Newcastle Knights.

Local hero and Wagga Wagga’s own Rachael Pearson is set to line up at halfback for the Eels in front of her home crowd, in what is a nice narrative to cap the weekend.

Her team however, head into this one carrying notable absences. Rory Owen (head knock), Cassey Tohi-Hiku (suspended), and several others are unavailable, which limits Parramatta's depth considerably. 

Newcastle's situation, however, is even more dire. Yasmin Meakes (ACL, season), Evie Jones (hamstring, season), Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa (ACL, season) and Damita Betham (shoulder, season) won’t play again this year.

Add to these outs the fact that the Knights were beaten 30–12 by the Broncos last week and they could be in for another very tough afternoon here.

Betting tip: Parramatta Eels Women.