Former NRL star Sam Burgess a surprise addition to 2025 Las Vegas push

Former Bunnies superstar Sam Burgess is a shock inclusion on the program for the NRL’s second push into the American market.

Rugby league’s push into the lucrative United States market is taking a major step forward after the announcement of the schedule for 2025.

The NRL pulled off its ambitious double-header to open the 2024 season, when Manly defeated South Sydney and the Roosters overcame Brisbane at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

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There had been rumours the schedule would be expanded next season and that has proven the case, with the English Super League and women’s footy now part of the extravaganza.

Four fresh NRL sides will get a chance to show their wares in the US, with the Canberra Raiders taking on the Warriors and the four-peat chasing Panthers facing the Sharks.

Spliced in between those matches will be a clash between 2024 UK Challenge Cup finalists, Wigan and Warrington, the latter coached by former Bunnies star Sam Burgess.

Nathan Cleary’s Panthers and Sione Katao’s Sharks will close the 2025 show. Picture: NRL Photos

The Bunnies and Sea Eagles put on a show in round one this year. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The third match on the packed program will pit Australia’s Jillaroos against the English women’s team, with all four games slated to take place on Saturday, March 1.

“Las Vegas 2025 will be a bigger, bolder and better festival of rugby league,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in a statement.

“The 2025 Las Vegas event will feature two highly anticipated NRL Premiership matches to open the season, the 2024 UK Challenge Cup finalists, Wigan and Warrington, and a Test match showcasing some of the most elite women’s players from both hemispheres.

“We’ve given fans the opportunity to plan early and take advantage of the Las Vegas festival experience – a true bucket list item for all rugby league and sports fans.

“Thank you to all the participating teams who will now get the chance to perform on a global stage with huge exposure.

Ivan Cleary’s Panthers and Sam Burgess’ Warrington will feature in Las Vegas next year. Photo: Joseph Richardson / Supplied

Isabelle Kelly and the Jillaroos will also feature on the big stage. Picture: NRL Photos

“Thank you to all our partners, including the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Allegiant Stadium and our broadcast partners, who have worked closely with us to create this innovative and truly unique event.”

This season’s inaugural push into the US had a number of teething problems, with American presenters often incorrectly referring to the sport as “rugby”, while the action on the field drew a mixed response from some confused locals.

The biggest story of the weekend then emerged when Spencer Leniu was accused of making a racial slur towards Bronco Ezra Mam, which resulted in an eight-week suspension for the Sydney Rooster.

The NRL will be hoping for a smoother ride in year two of the highly ambitious brainchild of league boss Peter V’landys.

Rugby League Las Vegas Festival 2025, Saturday, March 1

* Super League – Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves (8:30am AEDT)

* NRL – Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors (11am AEDT)

* Test Match – Australian Jillaroos vs England Women’s Team (1pm AEDT)

* NRL – Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (3:30pm AEDT)

Originally published as Former NRL star Sam Burgess a surprise addition to 2025 Las Vegas push