The NRL made history earlier this season, playing regular-season fixtures in Las Vegas for the first time. Now, it appears a Super League has been identified as an ideal option to fly to Vegas next year to join the round.
The move to Las Vegas was aimed at introducing Rugby League to a new audience. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles played the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the first of two games, with the Sydney Roosters playing the Brisbane Broncos.
The event was deemed a success, as 40,476 fans attended the game, which is the highest attendance for a Rugby League game on American soil. However, the TV audiences lagged behind, with neither game attracting more than 62,000 viewers.
According to reports in Australia, the NRL is keen to include a Super League fixture in the round for 2025 and they have identified the team they want to be involved.
Super League club heading to Las Vegas
Credit: Imago Images
Negotiations at a delicate stage
Credit: Imago Images
However, no deal has yet been agreed for English clubs to take part in the showpiece round. While talks are ongoing, they are at a key moment, with neither side wanting to make a mistake which may derail negotiations. The Sydney Morning Herald continues:
“Plans for a Super League game, to be played for competition points before the NRL double-header, have been discussed by officials in Australia and England.”
Before adding, “The NRL has delayed finalising the four clubs to play in Vegas next year because of the delicate negotiations involving the Super League.”
The option of including the World Club Challenge in the Vegas round had been previously discussed. However, according to this report, it now appears more likely that a regular-season Super League game will be played instead.
Warrington are currently joint top of the table, having registered a famous away win over the Catalans Dragons last night. Wigan Warriors travel to Salford Red Devils later hoping to close the gap.
