‘We could sell it out’: Jess Sergis leads charge for women’s game in Vegas

Jillaroos star Jess Sergis saw the bright lights of Vegas for herself, but there was one thing missing from the NRL season opener.

Jillaroos star Jess Sergis has urged the NRL to send a women’s game to Las Vegas in 2025 for what she says would be an unreal experience.

One of the biggest stars in the women’s game, Sergis was on the ground for the NRL season opener as part of her role with the Sydney Roosters commercial team.

She spent time with the team in Los Angeles and attended captain’s run at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas and says she was blown away by the opportunity it presents.

“It was so surreal, the vibe, the belief, the people over there were incredible, the hype around it, the energy was amazing,” she says.

“And to witness our game over there was so special and to see it supported, that’s what got everyone excited.

“It was honestly an experience I’m so grateful for and I didn’t even get to play.

“Imagine if we get the girls over there in 2025, it would be such a massive thing to tick off on the bucket list.”

Conversations have started about the best way to introduce America to the women’s game, starting with next year.

Jessica Sergis in action for the Jillaroos. Picture: NRL Imagery

“We had a few functions over there and James Graham spoke at one of them, he was speaking out how sport in America is a huge part of the culture, you go out for dinner and the TVs are all showing sport of all different codes, male and female.

“It’s just the norm there. We’re getting there in Australia with women’s sport, we’re starting to appreciate it more and more. But over the in the states it’s the norm.

“We had so much support with the men’s game, but America loves women’s sports too. If we could do a triple header at Allegiant Stadium, we could sell out that crowd.”

At a Jillaroos camp in January, players were on board to take the best possible product to an American audience in the form of an international test match.

There are several other options too, including State of Origin or an exhibition game with NRLW clubs.

Whatever the NRL lands on, Sergis believes it can work.

The physicality of the men’s game captivated US fans but showing them what women can do in the sport would take it to a new level.

“That’s why we have one of the best games of all, because we leave everything out there with no protection other than a mouthguard,” she says.

“Their minds were blown, and to know the girls do it on the same level would be really cool.”