Ideally you'd want Magic Round rotating outside of NSW and QLD to attract viewers in our secondary markets and broader NZ market. You can drive drive the price up by putting Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Wellington up against each other. Given Origin was in Adelaide this year I would have had Magic Round in any of the other cities listed above so there's marquee events in our non-traditional markets. You'd then get clubs (through tourism deals) to take one off games to the other cities mentioned above. That way there's live games in every capital city across the season.
If it was to ever go to Melbourne Marvel would be the choice pick as it can be configured for League although I couldn't see the AFL doing us any favours given the time to reconfigure. They do however have 4 rounds a year (rounds 12-15 for them) where they schedule their byes so this could be ideal time given they'd be less games on there (though the NRL has never been smart enough to give the Storm games when there is no AFL on in Melbourne).
Doesn't the AFL own Marvel (Docklands)? Does the NRL want to deal with the AFL?
The problem with Vic, SA and WA is none of those states has a suitable large rectangular stadium to host a magic round. AAMI Park is the largest at just 30,000.
At the moment, the NRL is in round 15, whilst the AFL is up to round 13. Perhaps the best time to stage a magic round in the non heartland states is early in the season in round 2.
Venues like MCG, Adelaide Oval and Optus could be available. Or in Melbourne's case, split the games up between the MCG and AAMI Park.