Rugby League in Vegas: The Sequel

LAS VEGAS, NV–On Saturday, rugby league once again attempts to make a splash with Americans. This time, it will be double the matches with the Betfred Super League and a women’s international added to the National Rugby League’s pair of matches. Last year, 40,746 fans attended the doubleheader at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas making it the biggest crowd to see rugby league in the United States. Let’s set the field for this year’s quadruple-header:

WIGAN WARRIORS vs. WARRINGTON WOLVES (1:30pm PT/9:30pm UK time, Sky Sports):

England’s Betfred Super League are in Week 3 of their season. Defending champions Wigan opened with a shock 1-0 golden point loss to Leigh Leopards before thrashing Hull FC, 46-4. They face their old rivals in Warrington who have opened with two wins over Huddersfield Giants (20-12) and Catalans Dragons (18-12). The teams have met before in Milwaukee for a friendly in 1989, but this will be the first regular season Super League match in the United States.

CANBERRA RAIDERS vs. NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS (4pm PT, FOX/9am AEDT, Fox League):

Both teams missed out on the Finals last season, so both are hoping to get back in them. Of course, Canberra had some issues to deal with upon arriving in Vegas earlier this week. Last season, the teams split the two meetings with each team winning at home. This match present an opportunity both for the capital club and New Zealand’s sole entrant in the NRL to feature on a grand stage.

AUSTRALIA WOMEN vs ENGLAND WOMEN (6pm PT/1pm AEDT, Nine)

The Jillaroos are three-time defending Women’s Rugby League World Cup champions and have lost just once since 2017. They have won their three previous tilts against England’s women’s team. The last meeting between the two teams was in 2017 during that year’s Women’s World Cup which went 38-0 in favor of Australia. England’s women have only played twice in each of the last two years–both of which were thrashings over France and Wales. In the last four World Cups, they have placed third.

PENRITH PANTERS vs. CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS (8:30pm PT, FS1/3:30pm AEDT, Nine):

The Panthers have been the gold standard in the NRL winning the last four titles. A drive for five is on the cards as will be a new stadium in 2026. A fifth successive premiership would be the most since the 11 consecutive titles won by the St. George Dragons between 1956 and 1966. The Sharks came in fourth last season and were eliminated by the Panthers in the preliminary finals (Australian for semifinals). It’s been nine years since the Sharks last won the title and will look to make a statement against the Panthers.

Festivities in and around the Las Vegas Strip begin on Wednesday with the NRL Fan Hub at Resorts World. The USA and Greece will play a pair of test matches on Wednesday and Friday at New Silver Bowl Park. Thursday night will also see a Fan Fest at the Fremont Street Experience. Tickets remain available for Saturday’s quadruple-header at Allegiant Stadium.