The NRL’s Las Vegas season opener promises to be bigger and better in 2025 with four matches announced for the code’s flagship event.
The Canberra Raiders will play the Warriors whilst the Penrith Panthers will take on the Cronulla Sharks.
Additionally, the rugby league festival will feature Super League clubs Wigan and Warrington and a women’s international exhibition match between Australia and England.
The four matches will be played on the same day at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium but The Sydney Morning Herald’s Andrew Webster fears the NRL may have already jumped the shark just two years into their Vegas gamble.
“My first reaction was that it was too much football,” Webster told SEN 1170.
“I’m a bit worried about it I have to say and I don’t want to be a 'Debbie Downer' but I’m concerned that it will be too much.
“I’ve already heard from some people that it’s going to be too cost prohibitive to go.
“If you’re going to attend, you are going to be locked in there for (over) four hours.
“There are no pass outs from Allegiant Stadium and having been there more than a few times, there’s not much around there anyway.
“I’ve now got concerns about the crowd and whether the NRL will be able to fill out the stadium.
“They will have the UK supporters coming over for Warrington and Wigan but I spoke with people that went last time and it cost them an absolute bomb to go.
“Whilst everyone had a great time, four games is overkill.”
The Las Vegas quadruple header will be held on Sunday March 2 for Australian audiences.
Super League - Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves (8:30am AEDT)
NRL - Canberra Raiders v Warriors (11:00am AEDT)
Test Match - Australian Jillaroos v England Lionesses (1:00pm AEDT)
NRL - Penrith Panthers v Cronulla Sharks (3:30pm AEDT)