Wests Tigers, Parramatta, Gold Coast and Melbourne will be the four teams that play in the NRL’s season-opening matches in Las Vegas next year.
The Tigers will meet the Storm, with the Eels to face the Titans on Sunday, February 28 (AEDT) at Allegiant Stadium for the penultimate year of the league’s Vegas contract.
Heading into Round 12 of this NRL season, none of the four participating teams are in the top eight, with the Tigers highest at 10th.
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Melbourne are next best in 13th with Parramatta 15th and Gold Coast 16th.
The quartet’s selection leaves the Dolphins as the only team participating in this year’s premiership that have not yet taken part in the Vegas showpiece event.
Expansion teams Perth and PNG would also have entered the competition in time for the final year of the NRL’s deal in 2028.
The Tigers’ inclusion comes despite previous chief executive Shane Richardson famously claiming the club had no interest in playing in Vegas.
The club’s current brass celebrated the announcement.
“We’re really excited to be heading to Vegas in 2027 and taking our members and fans around the world. They have been in lockstep with us throughout our rise over the past two years and it’s a wonderful reward for them,” interim CEO Shaun Mielekamp said.
“Applying to head to Vegas next season was a considered decision that closely aligns with the direction we’ve been taking the club. We’ve made significant progress both on and off the field and it proved the perfect time for us to take part in 2027.
“We’ve done our due diligence – from both a high performance and fan experience perspective – and are excited about the opportunity to start our 2027 campaign on a global stage.”
It remains to be seen whether master coach Craig Bellamy remains with Melbourne for the Vegas match and beyond given his recent health diagnosis.
Storm CEO Justin Rodski also said the club is “delighted” to be involved.
The Eels’ Vegas game will come amid celebrations for the club’s 80th anniversary.
“There’s no better time for the Parramatta Eels to head to Las Vegas, and we’re ready to showcase our club to the world,” said chief executive Jim Sarantinos.
“With more than 37,000 members and thousands of passionate fans already expressing interest, we’re expecting a huge blue and gold contingent in Vegas.”
The likes of Jaydn Su’A (Eels), Jamayne Isaako (Storm) and Mawene Hiroti (Titans) are all in line to play their first matches for their new clubs in the US.
English Super League sides Bradford and Leigh will also clash in Vegas, the latter coached by ex-Sydney Roosters and Maroons halfback Adrian Lam.
with AAP
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