Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs plan historic push into USA for Round 1 2023

Fans have rallied behind plans to host a historic season-opening NRL match in the United States in 2023, as the game looks to expand its’ international audience.

South Sydney boss Blake Solly has backed a plan to play a historic season-opening match between the Rabbitohs and Manly in the United States next year.

It’s believed the NRL is open to the move and have been in talks with Sea Eagles owner Scott Penn, who has been driving the initiative.

The Rabbitohs are keen to take part if the NRL is willing to make a long-term commitment to the concept that will broadcast the game to an international audience.

“If it’s something the NRL are keen to invest in the long term and we understand that Manly are talking about taking a game there, we’d love to be the opponent,” Solly said.

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The NRL is hoping to push into the USA.

“We are always looking at ways in which we can grow the profile of both rugby league and the Rabbitohs.

“If the NRL think that the United States is a serious opportunity, we are happy to support their efforts.”

It’s not the first time the NRL or clubs have floated the idea of taking a match to America in bid to grow the game’s profile on the world stage.

There were plans to stage a season opener back in 2019 but it never came to fruition.

There have also been talks at different stages about taking Magic Round, where all eight games are played at the same venue, abroad.

The NRL will be buoyed by the recent changes to wagering laws in the United States.

Around 30 American states have legalised sports wagering since October last year with other states likely to follow, opening the door for the venture to be a real money spinner for the NRL worth millions of dollars.

Solly believes the NRL could enjoy the same success the NFL has had in taking it’s sport to foreign audiences.

The NFL started taking a single league game to the United Kingdom back in 2007 and now plays multiple games there every season.

Solly wants to see a similar approach happen with NRL games.

“I was fortunate enough to be living in the United Kingdom when the NFL decided to try and grow its UK market,” Solly said.

“They had great success by taking games there, by increasing the amount of broadcast coverage the sport got and that meant that the clubs, particularly those that opted to play over in the UK saw a real benefit.”

South Sydney are a natural fit for the first real foray into the United States given owner Russell Crowe’s Hollywood profile and connections.

Superstar actor Hugh Jackman is also a devout Sea Eagles fanatic.

On the field, two of the game’s biggest stars in Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell are likely to be the headline acts.

Originally published as Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs plan historic push into USA for Round 1 2023