Rugby league is making its much-anticipated return to Las Vegas for the second year, with fans eagerly awaiting the 2025 NRL season opener on March 2, 2025. This year, the event promises to be even bigger, featuring four thrilling matches at Allegiant Stadium, showcasing both men’s and women’s rugby league games.
The opening match kicks off with the Super League clash between the Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves at 8:30 AM AEDT. Following this, the NRL kicks off its season with the Canberra Raiders taking on the New Zealand Warriors at 11 AM AEDT. Then, at 1 PM AEDT, the Australian Jillaroos will face England in what marks the first professional women’s sporting event at Allegiant Stadium. Finally, the Penrith Panthers will defend their title against the Cronulla Sharks at 3:30 PM AEDT.
The NRL anticipates up to 50,000 spectators for this year’s extravaganza, significantly up from the 40,746 fans who attended last year's opener. Over 45,000 tickets had been sold one week before game day, indicating the strong interest and excitement surrounding the event.
One of the standout moments of the match day will be the Jillaroos vs. England fixture, which is expected to showcase the growing popularity of women’s rugby league. Former rugby star Matty Johns enthused, "It’s been one of the biggest things in the last five years, the emergence of the women’s game... Now, this is the greatest sale to get female involvement in our game."
The Raiders and Warriors match is particularly anticipated, as both teams are eager to start their seasons on the right foot after inconsistent performances last year. Johns sees Canberra as having the edge, saying, "I’m thinking Raiders, I just have a feeling... they are really buoyed and really confident about the season," contrasting them with the Warriors, who he suggests are still finding their footing after last season’s struggles.
The final game featuring the Panthers and the Sharks promises to be gripping. Sharks’ coach Craig Fitzgibbon is pushing his team to set the tone for the year. After strong pre-season form, Multilato said, "We have a real sense of gratefulness to be here. It’s rare opportunity. Enjoying it as well as staying focused is important to us." He noted the significance of competing against the defending premiers right out of the gate.
Local American fans will not miss out, as live broadcasts of all four games will be available through Fox Sports and Kayo. Coverage will also be provided by ABC Sport. Interestingly, Channel Nine will broadcast only the Jillaroos game and the Panthers vs. Sharks clash.
The atmosphere in Las Vegas is expected to be electric, significantly impacted by the presence of English fans, many of whom have travelled overseas to support their teams. Jerseys of the Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves are expected to populate the crowd, adding to the vibrancy of the event. The noise is reported to have increased from last year, with fans energetically supporting their teams. According to reports, "There’s Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors jerseys all over the place..."
Not only will this event showcase the best of rugby league talent, but it is also set to highlight the developing women's game, as this is the first professional women's sporting match to ever be held at the Allegiant Stadium. Former international players and commentators are excited about the potential this fixture bears for the future of women’s rugby. "The quality of their football and for young girls to watch and have pathways is enormous," Johns commented, accentuating the significance of this game.
Finally, as teams prepare for what they hope will be successful seasons, the NRL looks to cement its place as a globally recognized sport. The Vegas event is seen as pivotal to this goal, potentially paving the way for future matches and enhancing rugby league's reach. With strong performances expected across all teams and much at stake, both fans and players alike are ready for what promises to be a memorable day of rugby league.