Strewth time flies, it’s barely believable to think that it’s been a whole year since the NRL made its debut in Vegas and what a ripper it was. Just like all great Hollywood movies they tend to have a sequel so, here’s your mate Joe Fortune giving you a preview on all you need to know ahead of NRL in Vegas Part II, the Return to America! Sit back, grab yourself some popcorn and enjoy the show as it’s going to be box office…
Which NRL Teams are in Vegas 2025?
Are you ready for another unforgettable showdown in Vegas… you’d better be as there are 8 teams in action. First up, at 11am, AEDT the Canberra Raiders will be facing off against the New Zealand Warriors. Then later in the afternoon Penrith Panthers will be going head-to-head with the Cronulla Sharks in what should be another epic encounter.
Also, on the same day fans can enjoy watching England’s great rivals Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves locking horns in what should be a fierce battle. Rounding off the action, our Aussie Jillaroos will take on the England Women’s Team in a thrilling contest that should showcase some of the best talent in women’s rugby.
Where in Vegas are the NRL Games being Played?
We are back once again at the Allegiant Stadium for what promises to be an even bigger, bolder and better start to any NRL season ever seen. As a reminder the stadium was completed in 2020 costing over $AUD 2 billion. The stadium is home to the NFL franchise, the Las Vegas Raiders and it recently hosted Super Bowl 58 where the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers with a thrilling last play right at the end of the game.
The stadium has a dark and rounded appearance which has led to it being nicknamed Roomba as locals reckon it looks like an automatic vacuum cleaner… For those of you heading to the stadium the good news is that you don’t need to walk too far, and you’ll be at the famous Vegas Strip ready to party late into the night.
How to get Tickets for the NRL in Vegas
If you’re still looking for tickets then you’re in luck as Ticketmaster has got quite a few still available from about $30. Which considering you get to see four games of footy that’s bloody reasonable. I’ll let you check out what flights are available and what they’ll set you back as I’m sure it will cost a few bucks and whilst Joe Fortune here is always available to help, I don’t pretend to be a travel agent or even a pilot!
When and How to Watch the NRL Vegas in Australia
The Raiders v Warriors match will kick off 11am (AEDT) on Sunday March 2nd, the game is on Foxtel and KAYO so for any of you footy fans who don’t have Fox Sports check that your local pub or club will be showing the game. The second game between the Panthers and the Sharks, is listed to start at 3:30pm (AEDT) and this is available to be watched live on both Channel 9, 9 NOW, KAYO and Fox Sports.
How did the Teams go in NRL 2024
Unless you’ve been living in Woop Woop you’ll know that Penrith completed a four-peat last season and are heavily fancied to make it five in a row. Despite only finishing second on the ladder last year, the Panthers showed themselves to be the dominating force in the NRL as they controlled and won all their finals’ matches without too many problems. The Sharks, who finished fourth on the ladder, were one of the sides that Penrith defeated. With a 26-6 loss in the preliminary final, you can be sure Cronulla will be all out for revenge.
In the earlier game are two sides who both missed out on finals footy in 2024 and so will be desperate to make sure they get off to a good start. The Raiders narrowly missed out on points different to the Knights and finished ninth. The New Zealand Warriors started their last campaign full of hope, having finished fourth in 2023, however it turned out to be something of a disaster. The Warriors, despite the disappointing year, still managed to sell out all its home games and with support like that in Vegas could expect to make this a ripper of a contest.
NRL in Vegas Betting Predictions and Tips
With plenty of pre-season games to be played and no doubt loads of game plans to be hatched and tactics for the season sorted the odds for the first matches might yet change. But for now, in the first game the Raiders are $2.25 and the Warriors $1.65. You mate Joe Fortune fancies the favourites will win the first game of the season. In the second game the Panthers are $1.55 and the Sharks $2.45, with a few changes to the Penrith line-up this season it could take a while for the team to get into top gear and so expect a shock here as Cronulla could win this one. For those of you who like to play multis that works out as about a $4 bet for both teams to win the NRL Games in Vegas 2025.