The race to Vegas is down to 10. Sport Confidential can reveal that more than half the teams in the competition have formally expressed a desire to be part of the historic double header in Las Vegas next year after being contacted by the NRL this week.
The clubs that are keen include Manly, Cronulla, Bulldogs, Brisbane, South Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Dolphins, Roosters and Gold Coast.
Some clubs including North Queensland, Wests Tigers and Penrith have expressed an interest in travelling to the US in 2025.
The Warriors are focused on growing the game in New Zealand. They understood the push for an “Australian Week” of festivities meant they were unlikely to be selected.
Clubs including Canterbury want to be considered as an away team only. This comes after clubs received a document from NRL boss Andrew Abdo on Monday asking them to demonstrate why they should be part of the landmark double header in America.
“The NRL has received significant interest from clubs to participate in this inaugural event and will consider the information requested below to allow the commission to determine the most optimal combination of teams for 2024 and beyond,” the email states.
“The NRL values what clubs will bring to this concept and, importantly, the engagement of as many fans as possible for this unique and exciting opportunity and experience.
“The NRL’s primary objective is to maximise stadium attendance and establish a solid foundation for a strong connection with the US market in future seasons.
“We are actively seeking partnerships with clubs to achieve this.”
The document confirmed some of the details around the historic games. They will be played on March 2 in Las Vegas and be broadcast back into Australia on March 3.
Kick-off will be at 6pm and 830pm local time, meaning they will be screened in Australia at 1pm and 3.30pm. The matches will be played at Allegiant Stadium and teams playing in Las Vegas will be given the week off the following week, when the remaining 13 teams will kick off their seasons. Essentially they will be playing in round zero.
Two teams will arrive on February 26 and two other teams will arrive the next day. The head coach and squads of 22 players will fly business class and accommodation will be provided for up to six nights with teams to leave on either March 3 or 4.
Clubs were asked to nominate whether they are interested in participating in Las Vegas in the inaugural season only or on a recurring basis over ensuing years.
The NRL has plans to take the match to the US for five years and could potentially rotate teams to ensure everyone who wants a crack gets one.
They were also asked to nominate what commercial fee they would want to be the home team and what sort of marketing support they can provide for the concept.
This is where the likes of Manly and South Sydney may have a competitive advantage thanks to the support of high-profile acts Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe.
“Include any aspects of value that your club and stakeholders can bring in order to make the event successful including awareness, fan travel and corporate/ticketing opportunities,” the email states.
The NRL has already reached out to Jackman to see whether he would be interested in performing in Las Vegas as part of an Australian Week celebration. There are plans for a UFC bout to be headlined by an Australian as well as a boxing fight.
The clubs were further asked to demonstrate whether they saw any opportunities for player development in the USA.
“If so, how do you intend to capitalise on these?” the email states.
