LAS VEGAS: The atmosphere has a new vibe this year.
As you stroll along the iconic Vegas strip, the unmistakable lilt of a northern English accent fills the air. You’ll spot fans decked out in Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors jerseys all around, and when a group gathers, it’s only a matter of time before they start singing.
At the launch event on Wednesday at Resorts World, Panthers captain Isaah Yeo faced a chorus of boos, as did former Raiders star George Williams, now leading the Wolves.
The loudest applause of the night was for Wigan’s captain, Liam Farrell, whose fans broke into song, much to the amazement of the sizeable Australian NRL crowd nearby.
Wigan Warriors players arrive during an NRL fan event at Fremont Street Experience. Getty
An estimated 8,000 fans have travelled to Las Vegas from England this week, giving this year’s rugby league festival a significantly different flavour compared to the 2024 edition, which still managed to attract around 1,000 fans from England even without a Super League match on offer.
This Sunday (Aussie time), the four-match festival begins with a showdown between two Super League giants, as Rabbitohs legend Sam Burgess aims to lead his Wolves to victory.
This event sets the perfect stage to energise Allegiant Stadium and create a vibrant atmosphere ahead of the Raiders’ clash with the Warriors.
The presence of English fans has certainly impressed the NRL hierarchy, with both CEO Andrew Abdo and ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys repeatedly praising them in discussions with the travelling media throughout the week.
On Thursday night, league supporters took over Fremont Street, where a massive crowd of fans in jerseys created a lively mosh pit in front of the stage during an official event. Each participating team was introduced to the enthusiastic throng by Nine’s Zac Bailey.
While the English fans were a smaller contingent, their enthusiasm filled the space with noise, particularly when their teams were acknowledged. Soon, singing filled the air once more.
In the VIP area, Abdo could be seen sporting a broad grin.
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Warrington Wolves coach Sam Burgess greets fans during an NRL event at Fremont Street Experience on February 27, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Getty
“What do you think of the English fans?” he asked a group of journalists as he passed by.
“You should just buy the Super League; that way you’d have that kind of atmosphere all the time,” quipped a journalist, half-jokingly.
This kind of event could certainly serve as a launchpad for serious discussions in that direction.
Just a week ago, V’landys celebrated a record year for the NRL, boasting the league’s healthiest financial position in recent history, and used the moment to reveal that they were exploring the possibility of acquiring the Super League as part of efforts to elevate the sport into a $1 billion international powerhouse.
“We’re eyeing the UK market,” V’landys said.
“Never say never. It all depends on their interest. There’s a partnership involved—it takes two to tango. If they want us, we’ll definitely consider it.
“So far, they haven’t reached out, but we believe strongly in having a solid foundation in the UK, and we’re committed to growing the international game.
“You can’t have a global game without England. I don’t want to reveal any confidential information, but it’s vital for us to establish a robust league in the UK. At present, they’re facing some challenges.”
Andrew Abdo and Peter V’landys receive the key to the city during the NRL Las Vegas media launch. Getty
Most Super League clubs recorded financial losses last year, which might make the support of the Australian league appealing.
Warrington Wolves’ owner, Simon Moran, has a friendly relationship with Rabbitohs part-owner Russell Crowe. The more you investigate, the more common ground you uncover. If the NRL were to acquire the Super League, it wouldn’t take an advertising genius to enhance the connections between clubs and potentially turn rugby league into a year-round sport for fans on both sides of the globe.
A St George Illawarra supporter in winter could easily switch to cheering for St Helens in summer. Similarly, a Castleford Tigers fan could wear the same colours year-round while supporting the Wests Tigers in the NRL.
While it would require some fine-tuning, just a few years back, the idea of launching a season opener in Vegas seemed a far-fetched fantasy. Now, in only its second year of a five-year deal, the NRL’s venture in Vegas is on the brink of profitability.
V’landys has always had big ambitions as chairman, and a potential acquisition of the Super League might just be the next dream within reach.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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