NRL in Las Vegas: Broncos, Rabbitohs turn back on USA as other clubs scramble for spots in 2025
The ‘Great Vegas Race’ has begun for 2025, and while some clubs are scrambling to secure a spot, two clubs are already set to pull out after a disastrous season launch.
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Penrith and Melbourne are among the favourites to play in Las Vegas next year, Manly and Sydney Roosters want to return but could be denied, Souths won’t travel back while Brisbane is unlikely to return.
The great 2025 Las Vegas scramble has started.
NRL management will in coming weeks formally seek submissions from clubs wanting to play year two of the Vegas extravaganza.
After the Everest-like success of Vegas last weekend, teams are lining up to play in the USA next year but there is a catch – some want to be the away team to ensure more home games in Australia.
Aside from Manly and the Roosters, Canberra, Penrith and Cronulla have indicated to the NRL that they would be prepared to transfer a home game to America.
The NRL isn’t against Manly and the Roosters returning but the ARL Commission has a desire for all teams – and their fan bases – to be given US exposure.
NRL management wants to nail down the 2025 teams soon so fans can begin organising their trips to Vegas.
Penrith has lodged a strong interest in Vegas and Melbourne have also made genuine inquiries. The two clubs have been communicating.
“We want to go (to Vegas),” said Panthers CEO, Brian Fletcher, who presented the club’s travel options to his board on Wednesday.
Melbourne has also been ‘picking the brain’ of clubs that contested US games last weekend.
“Naturally we would be interested in Vegas but there are a host of variables that need to line up for us to participate and we would prefer not to give up a home game given our fans missed so many matches during Covid,” said Storm chairman Matt Tripp.
THE MAIN ISSUE
Eight clubs next year will lose one home game at Magic Round while Souths (Gosford), Manly (Mudgee), Dolphins (Perth), Parramatta (Darwin) and Sydney Roosters (Gosford) will take a home game either interstate or to the country.
Penrith will take three home games away next year – Magic Round along with matches in Mudgee and Bathurst.
Aware of commercial agreements, sponsorship arrangements, stadium contracts and membership unrest, some clubs do not want to lose a home game in Vegas if possible, though the temptation is becoming irresistible.
ROOSTERS, MANLY RETURN
Manly and the Roosters were the home sides in Vegas this year and are likely to agree to repeat that offer next year.
There is some resentment among rival clubs at Manly and the Roosters’ return with a few club CEO’s adamant the Vegas experience should be shared around.
Other clubs however claim Manly and the Roosters should be allowed to return if they play home games.
Asked whether he wanted Manly to return next year, Manly chairman Scott Penn told his club’s website: “Yes, absolutely. We are committed to this. It took a little bit of convincing in terms of internal stakeholders as it was a big commitment.
“I think everyone is on board. We can build on this. We are pushing to get an answer pretty quickly on whether we can be a long term team because we want to invest in it. We want to bring the boys over more regularly.
“We want to invest in an international fan base. We really want to build an American Eagles team.”
PANTHERS COIN CHASE
The Vegas scramble for 2025 comes as Penrith look to secure $1.5m by playing four home games away from Sydney next season – one potentially being in Vegas – to help recoup estimated annual losses of $3m due to the club’s temporary move to CommBank Stadium.
The Panthers are budgeting to lose a total of $6m in 2025 and 2026 while their new stadium is being built and the club moves to CommBank Stadium.
This masthead understands the NRL financially compensated both home sides in Vegas around $250,000, approximately the same amount away sides receive in Magic Round.
All four clubs in Vegas this year were also paid travel costs.
Penrith has already asked the NRL to be given home game status for Magic Round next season, another cash win for the premiers.
The Panthers have a commitment with Venues NSW to play a certain number of games at CommBank Stadium next season.
STORM COMING
Melbourne is considering playing an NRL game in August next year for competition points in Fiji.
The Storm wouldn’t play Suva and Vegas – they would have to choose one.
Melbourne could play Penrith in Vegas, the same two sides who play round one this year.
Souths enjoyed their Vegas-San Diego experience but won’t apply again given the substantial time officials poured into the trip.
Brisbane hasn’t finalised their stance but it’s unlikely they will seek another trip to America.
KEY CANDIDATES
Parramatta is keen but may look at 2026, Canberra and Cronulla have expressed interest for next year while the Warriors will also be considered.
“We were down to go this year if one of the four sides dropped out,” said Raiders CEO, Don Furner.
“There is an obvious link with the Las Vegas Raiders so we’d love to be a team in 2025 and we’ll be applying.”
Asked whether Canberra was prepared to be a home side, Furner said: “Yes.”
Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta and chairman Steve Mace travelled to Vegas to experience the build-up and games.
“The experience for players, staff and fans was amazing but this goes beyond just playing a game in the US. The opportunities are countless and the new connections made are great for the club,” Mezzatesta said.
Warriors CEO Cameron George added: “We’re very interested in working with the NRL about possibly being a team which plays in Vegas.“We are a whole new country to bring to Las Vegas and that would obviously have tourism benefits.”
SNAPPY DECISION
Abdo said the entire process would be completed quickly.
“We will formally invite clubs to submit their interest for 2025 over the course of the next few weeks. We were very pleased with the way year one went,” Abdo said.
“We know there is strong interest from clubs in this venture and we look forward to working over the next couple to determine what the configuration looks like.
“The commission will make a decision as soon as possible to give everyone certainty for 2025.”
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