League icon Phil Gould opines that the NRL can maintain a four-game schedule in Las Vegas if the match scores remain engaging and the game day itinerary is strategically planned. Following the NRL’s recent venture in Las Vegas, which attempted to capture the American audience, the ratings showcased mixed results. Although the Raiders’ convincing 30-8 win over the Warriors attracted 371,000 viewers on the FOX free-to-air network—marking a significant triumph for the opening match—subsequent games experienced a stark decline in viewership.
The clash between the Panthers and Sharks only garnered an attendance of 33,000, which many attribute to the preceding one-sided women’s Test match, where the Jillaroos decisively defeated England 90-4, possibly leading viewers to switch off. The Super League opener, too, concluded as a runaway win before some consolation tries were scored by Warrington.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys acknowledged that the quadruple header may have been excessive and suggested a reduction to three games for future events. Attendee numbers were variable, with V’landys noting that over 45,000 fans attended but fluctuating crowd sizes presented a concern. The Jillaroos may be removed from the lineup due to their overwhelming victory, which reportedly sent some fans leaving the stadium early.
Despite these challenges, Gould argues that the solution may lie in rescheduling the women’s game to an earlier time slot. He expressed support for a back-to-back four-game setup and believes valuable insights were gained from the day’s events. Gould stated, “If they’re the right games, I don’t think four games is too many.” He also pointed out that the mismatch in competitiveness between the Jillaroos and their English counterparts was expected due to the developmental stage of the women’s game in the UK.
Gould further highlighted that the timing of the women’s match, occurring between two NRL games, negatively impacted the overall experience. There have been discussions about splitting the Vegas extravaganza into a two-day event, but Gould cautions that logistical hurdles—such as stadium opening costs, crowd turnout, and scheduling—might complicate such plans.
In essence, while Gould suggests that a four-game schedule could work in the future with the right conditions, issues like viewer engagement, match timing, and competitor readiness must be carefully addressed to enhance the NRL’s impact in Las Vegas.