NRL Las Vegas: Warriors favourites to play in USA in 2025, Queensland clubs may miss the plane

There’s a new favourite to be on the plane to Las Vegas in 2025, with eight clubs ruling themselves out and the NRL considering a drastic decision on the four Queensland based clubs.

The Warriors are hot favourites to go to Vegas in 2025.

An opening round showdown in Las Vegas between James Fisher-Harris and his Penrith teammates is a distinct possibility with the Warriors emerging as a frontrunner to score a prized ticket to the NRL’s USA double-header next year.

The major development has emerged amid the additional news that the NRL is weighing-up choosing the Warriors and leaving all four Queensland team’s off the plane to Las Vegas.

Of the four Queensland clubs, only the Dolphins remain eager to be part of the 2025 kick-off in Las Vegas with the Cowboys, Titans and Broncos pulling out interest.

The appeal of showcasing the Las Vegas extravaganza to the entire country of New Zealand, coupled with the promise of a huge travelling party of “Wahs” supporters that would make the journey to Sin City, is a major appeal for the NRL.

Warriors fans should start making their Las Vegas travel plans. Picture: Getty Images

The Warriors have never captivated the New Zealand market more than they are currently, with consistent sold-out crowds and widespread interest from mainstream media.

There is also a large Polynesian population in the US which will help the NRL’s push to crack the American audience.

The NRL took time out of last year’s promotional visit to travel to Salt Lake City whose Polynesian community are avid football fans. They had a genuine awareness of the rugby-codes and spoke openly about following Samoa’s hopes at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.

Those major contributing factors have prompted the NRL to elevate the Warriors into a ‘box seat scenario” to join premiers Penrith as two of the four clubs to take the field at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, on March 1 next year.

Should the Warriors secure their selection it would also pave the way for the NRL to consider scheduling a blockbuster round one match-up between the Panthers and Fisher-Harris, who will leave Penrith for the Warriors at the end of this season.

Fisher-Harris’ decision to seek a release from Penrith last week has been described as the greatest signing in Warriors history.

New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George. Picture: Getty Images

“We lodged our expression of interest, so it’s now in the hands of the NRL,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said of the club’s Las Vegas bid.

“I think we can bring a whole new market to Vegas for the NRL with our New Zealand connection.

“They have already had Sydney clubs go this year and a team like Penrith may go next year, but we can bring plane loads of people from a whole new market in New Zealand.

“I know there’s a healthy Pacific Islander community in Las Vegas and surrounding areas of America.

“We would certainly bring a big fan base to the opportunity. We would love to be a part of it next year, but if not, then hopefully we are there for Vegas in 2026.”

Eight clubs have already ruled themselves out of being considered for the second instalment of a five-year deal by the NRL to showcase the game in the US.

Out of the race are the Wests Tigers, Titans, Broncos, Cowboys, Bulldogs, Roosters, Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs.

A host of other clubs including the Storm, Sharks, Raiders, Eels and Dragons remain in contention to be in Las Vegas for the season-opener next year.

The NRL want to announce all four team by early next month.

Originally published as NRL Las Vegas: Warriors favourites to play in USA in 2025, Queensland clubs may miss the plane