Rugby League Sides Eye Las Vegas, But Caution Lingers Over Potential ‘Curse’
The inaugural professional rugby league matches held in Las Vegas at the start of the 2024 NRL season have sparked discussions about a potential ‘curse’ affecting the participating teams. As the same notion emerges around potential Super League involvement, clubs must carefully consider the potential ramifications.
The historic double-header in Las Vegas saw over 40,000 fans witness Sydney Roosters, Brisbane Broncos, Manly Sea Eagles, and South Sydney Rabbitohs take the field. While the Rabbitohs were tipped as Premiership contenders, they currently find themselves second-last in the table, with the other three sides also underperforming compared to pre-season expectations.
“It probably has had an impact in that we’ve had three games in Queensland and one in New Zealand in the rounds after Vegas. All that travel can impact performance and I think we’ve seen signs of that.” – Manly Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov
With suggestions that Super League sides may join their NRL counterparts in Las Vegas next year, caution is being advised. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that negotiations are underway to have a Super League game play out in Vegas before the NRL double-header, potentially beamed into the UK during prime viewing hours.
The NRL noted that over 1,000 fans made the trip from England to witness the inaugural Vegas action, highlighting the global interest. However, Super League clubs must carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risk of a ‘curse’ impacting their performance in the weeks and months following the Vegas visit.
As the rugby league world eyes the growing opportunities in the United States, the lessons learned from the NRL’s Vegas venture will undoubtedly shape the approach taken by Super League sides, should they choose to participate.
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