It’s official! The NRL have announced the four teams that will travel to Las Vegas next year to open up the 2025 season on Sunday March 2 (AEST).
The historic double-header will see the Canberra Raiders take on the New Zealand Warriors and the Penrith Panthers to do battle with the Cronulla Sharks.
In addition to the NRL double-header, the UK Super League will be on display with a match between the Wigan Warriors and the Sam Burgess-coached Warrington Wolves.
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The best women’s rugby league players in the world will also get the chance to strut their stuff in front of US audiences, with the Australian Jillaroos to take on the England Women’s side.
In a press release, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo says Las Vegas 2025 will be a “bigger, bolder and better festival of rugby league”.
“The 2025 Las Vegas event will feature two highly anticipated NRL Premiership matches to open the season, the 2024 UK Challenge Cup finalists, Wigan and Warrington, and a Test match showcasing some of the most elite women’s players from both hemispheres,” Abdo said via a NRL-issued statement.
“We’ve given fans the opportunity to plan early and take advantage of the Las Vegas festival experience – a true bucket list item for all rugby league and sports fans.
“Thank you to all the participating teams who will now get the chance to perform on a global stage with huge exposure.
“Thank you to all our partners, including the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Allegiant Stadium and our broadcast partners, who have worked closely with us to create this innovative and truly unique event.”
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It will be the NRL’s second voyage to Las Vegas, following the hugely successful debut earlier this year.
On that occasion, the Roosters, Broncos, Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs flew the flag in a historic double-header at Allegiant Stadium, but the NRL wanted four new teams to be given a chance to experience the whirlwind week and promote the game to a new audience.
Penrith were long-expected to take one of the four spots considering their home stadium is under renovation next year.
It was probably somewhat surprising that the Raiders weren’t selected for this year’s opening double-header considering Allegiant Stadium is the home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.
Nevertheless, the NRL have decided to take advantage of the namesake next season hoping that will garner more local support.
Rugby League Las Vegas Festival 2025
Super League – Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves (1:30pm PST / 8:30am AEDT)
NRL – Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors (4:00pm PST / 11:00am AEDT)
Test Match – Australian Jillaroos vs England Women’s Team (6:00pm PST / 1:00pm AEDT)
NRL – Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (8:30pm PST / 3:30pm AEDT)