AusLeisure

The NRL has announced that it will return to the USA city of Las Vegas for the start of its 2025 as part of an expanded four game rugby league festival.

Due to be held at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on Saturday 1st March, the nine-hours of rugby league will include a season-opening NRL double-header, a women’s Test match and an English Super League fixture.

The fixtures will feature Canberra Raiders vs New Zealand Warriors, Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sutherland-Sharks, Wigan Warriors vs Warrington Wolves and the Australian Jillaroos vs England Women's.

Announcing the program yesterday NRL Chief Executive, Andrew Abdo advised “the opportunity to showcase rugby league in Las Vegas, the sports and entertainment capital of America, in that stadium, it’s a unique one. And the exciting thing is we’re offering four new clubs, and ultimately their fan base and clubs the opportunity to experience what we all experienced in 2024.”

The addition of a women’s fixture is the most notable change from 2024, with Australian Rugby League Commission officials having considered whether to play an NRLW or women’s State of Origin match.

According to reports, the women’s game is seen as the biggest area for growth for rugby league in the USA, with no fully professional sports in the NFL or rugby in North America.

Advising of the interest the women’s game is likely to attract, Abdo added “I don’t think (audiences in the USA) would have seen female sport played at the level of speed, stamina, skill and intensity of rugby league football played by our female players.

“The opportunity (exists) to win new fans, and also the opportunity brings an enticing fixture for existing fans. It’s just too good to pass on and we’re excited by this fixture.”

The match schedule for 1st March 2025 is:

• Wigan vs Warrington - 1.30pm PST, 8.30am AEDT
• Canberra vs Warriors - 4pm PST, 11am AEDT
• Australian Jillaroos vs England Lionesses - 6pm PST, 1pm AEDT
• Penrith vs Cronulla - 8.30pm PST, 3.30pm AEDT

Image credit: NRL.

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