he NRL will consider tinkering with its Las Vegas season-opening extravaganza as it prepares to overhaul its schedule for the introduction of the Perth Bears.
For the first time since 2022, the NRL is exploring the possibility of condensing its season by a week – which could have ramifications for the American season opener in Sin City.
While no decisions have been locked in yet, the Australian Rugby League Commission will meet in coming months to determine if an NRL season which spans a mammoth 32 weeks can be trimmed.
The Bears joining the competition as the 18th team will open up flexibility for the NRL’s draw makers, who can now schedule nine games per week, if wanted, and reduce the number of byes each team has per season.
Since the Dolphins entered the league in 2023, each club has three byes across the course of a 27-round regular season.
A shorter season will also allow the ARLC to continue investing in the growth of the international game and give clubs extra preparation in pre-season.
Las Vegas could also stay in its current window – the first weekend in March – if the NRL pursues a wildcard weekend as part of an expended finals series.
“The 18th team provides us with a different set of permutations which allows us to think about the season structure,” Andrew Abdo said.
“That’s the work to be considered by the Commission in due course.”