Las Vegas NRL Festival Welcomes English Fans with Open Arms
This year’s buzz in Las Vegas during the NRL event is distinctly different. The familiar sounds of the famous Vegas strip resonate with northern English accents, predominantly from excited fans donning Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors jerseys. Their presence is palpable, especially in groups where hearty singing follows quickly after camaraderie.
At the launch party at Resorts World, sportspersons like Isaah Yeo and George Williams were met with boos, while the Wigan Warriors captain, Liam Farrell, received an enthusiastic cheer from his devoted fans, causing Australian spectators to watch in admiration.
An impressive turnout of around 8,000 English fans has flocked to Vegas, a significant increase from the previous year’s mere 1,000, even without a Super League match on offer. The upcoming four-match extravaganza promises an electric atmosphere, particularly with fans eager to witness their Super League teams compete on such a vibrant stage.
NRL executives, including CEO Andrew Abdo and ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys, have expressed their delight in the overwhelming support from English fans, praising the energised ambience they bring. Thursday night saw Fremont Street transformed into a lively gathering spot, where die-hard fans created a festival-like atmosphere, awaiting their favourite teams to be introduced.
Discussions of fan enthusiasm naturally led to thoughts of strengthening ties between rugby leagues. V’landys hinted at the possibility of acquiring the Super League to bolster the international presence of the NRL. Observers noted a growing intrigue on how a potential partnership could invigorate both competitions, particularly during challenging times for Super League clubs grappling with financial losses.
Partnerships between clubs like the Warrington Wolves and Rabbitohs could pave the way for stronger connections. The concept of year-round engagement in rugby league, where fans easily switch loyalties between leagues, emerged as a novel idea worth exploring.
Looking back, even the notion of hosting season openers in Las Vegas would have appeared far-fetched just a few years ago. The current NRL venture, now in its second year of a five-year contract, is on the verge of financial viability, signalling promising growth ahead.
As V’landys continues to push ambitious initiatives within the sport, the dream of an integrated Super League with the NRL may soon shift from fanciful speculation to a grounded reality, potentially revolutionising the rugby league landscape for fans both in Australia and the UK.