NZ Warriors are reportedly firming as candidates to play their 2025 NRL season-opener at Las Vegas, as the Aussie rugby league competition continues to court the lucrative US sports market.
Four teams - Manly Sea Eagles, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos - opened the current season at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders NFL team - in March, the first of a five-year commitment to staging league at 'Sin City'.
Sydney's Daily Telegraph reports eight teams have been approached to return to the Nevada desert next year, with the Warriors joining Penrith Panthers, Cronulla Sharks, Canberra Raiders, St George Dragons, the Dolphins, Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm.
Teams have until Tuesday to confirm their interest, but the Telegraph claims the Dolphins, Dragons, Eels and Storm are unlikely to make the trip.
The Warriors will reportedly only agree, if they are an 'away' team, preserving their full quota of home games for Go Media Stadium. Home teams would receive A$350,000, while away teams just A$50,000.
The draw could see NZ Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris make his Warriors debut against his current club, Penrith.
Quizzed about the possibility of a US jaunt in March, Warriors players were enthusiastic about the prospect.
Warriors players are understandably excited by the opportunity.
"I thought they were both top-quality games," grinned second-rower Kurt Capewell. "They were a great representation of our game overseas, a great initiative from the NRL and I can't wait for them to take the Warriors over there next year."
Coach Andrew Webster wasn't so keen.
"I thought it was a great spectacle, I just don't want to control 17 lunatics after they play, that's all I'm worried about," he shrugged. "That's a joke, sort of...
"I thought the NRL did a great job, the players did a great job and what they put on was outstanding. Our time's going to come and if it comes, we'll embrace it and go for it.
"I'll hire 20 security guards after the game and they can look after the players."
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