Las Vegas 2025: Four teams in box seat after three NRL clubs drop out of race
Canberra, Penrith, Cronulla and the Warriors are in the box seat to be confirmed for the 2025 Las Vegas double-header after multiple teams dropped out of the race.
NRL
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Melbourne are preparing for a crunch meeting with the NRL as Parramatta, St George Illawarra and the Dolphins formally drop out of the race to be part of the Las Vegas double-header next season.
Only four sides – Canberra, Penrith, Cronulla and the Warriors – have put their hands up to launch the season in the US next year.
The Storm’s situation remains up in the air with Melbourne to meet with the NRL on Wednesday to discuss possible options before making a final decision.
The NRL had asked the clubs to reply to their terms sheet by Tuesday. However, the Storm have been granted an extension as they look to meet with the NRL before making up their minds.
The Storm are considered outsiders to be granted the green light to compete with Canberra, Penrith, Cronulla and the Warriors in the box seat.
Eight clubs were given the term sheet by the NRL last week. But the number of clubs wanting to take part dwindled after the Dragons, the Eels and Dolphins opted against pursuing the opportunity.
Dolphins boss Terry Reader confirmed his club had withdrawn their interest.
“We have decided not to proceed in the process after receiving the terms sheet from the NRL,” Reader said. “We always said from the word go we were interested, but it depended on the terms to participate from the NRL.
“Vegas is a great concept but if we are going to be worse off financially or around our football program, then it is not something we will pursue for 2025.”
The Warriors are keen to be an away side. Penrith will take a home game to Allegiant Stadium while the Sharks and Raiders have indicated they are content with being either the home or away side.
The home team will receive $350,000 from the NRL while the away team will pocket $50,000. The NRL will also fund eight nights accommodation.
Warriors boss Cameron George said his side were keen to take part.
“It’s our intention to try and get there next year,” George said. “For us, I’d rather go in year two instead of year four or five. I think year two will be huge. Everyone who missed out on going saw it and saw how good the event was. Everyone will be wanting to go next year.
“Strategically, I focused on year two. It will be a great experience for our club.
“Our owner Mark Robinson has a lot of business interests in America.”
The four teams – South Sydney, the Roosters, Manly and Brisbane – who competed this year are ineligible to back-up. Canterbury, Newcastle and North Queensland are among the club’s who have indicated they may be keen to take part next year.
Parramatta wanted to be part of the 2025 concept but given they will attack next season with a new head coach they want to delay their trip by 12 months.
The Tigers at this stage have little interest to be part of the event.
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Originally published as Las Vegas 2025: Four teams in box seat after three NRL clubs drop out of race
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