The Las Vegas excursion was a great feather in the cap of the NRL.
I congratulate all those who played a part in making the opening games of the 2025 NRL such a success.
The first round games played there, Manly v Raiders and Panthers v Sharks were a credit to the four clubs – but, and it is a big but…
People not hype are encouraging, people not systems are empowering, and people not events are inspiring
Watching the games on TV, I didn’t think the occasion of it all got to any of the players – they would have performed similarly at their home club grounds.
But the occasion could have easily got to the game itself, and what it means to the game’s millions of fans around the world.
I’m not being critical at all; the point I’m trying to make is that it is very easy to forget and undervalue the game of rugby league itself.
Las Vegas is considered by most to be the best entertainment city in the world.
This may be correct, but playing our game there adds to the value of Las Vegas.
Does Las Vegas add to the value of rugby league? Only history will be the judge.
While the Raiders and Panthers took the two points back through customs to Sydney, of the two losing sides I’d guess the Warriors would be the most disappointed.
I thought the Sharks were just against the side that is currently the best in the NRL and they demonstrated why.
Unfortunately, the Raiders blew the Warriors right out of Las Vegas, and they have a lot of soul searching to do before the play Manly in Auckland.
