Formal applications for seats on the plane to Las Vegas are not yet open to NRL clubs, but six clubs are expected to express strong interest in making the trip halfway across the world.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Manly Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters will be among them, having won a double-header over the weekend to kick off the NRL season in historic fashion in front of about 40,000 fans at Allegiant Stadium.
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As it stands, the Sea Eagles and Roosters may be prohibited a return to the United States.
The NRL and the Australian Rugby League Commission have previously stated that all 17 teams, as well as potential expansion teams, should get an opportunity to play in Las Vegas within the five-year window of games.
The commission’s chairman, Peter V’Landys, stated on Fox Sports following the double-header that they may expand the games to a triple-header next year, which might benefit the Roosters and Sea Eagles in their bid to return to the United States.
Manly chairman Scott Penn told The Sydney Morning Herald that he wants the NRL to abandon plans to give all 17 teams a chance and instead have Manly return in each installment.
“Absolutely. We put our hand up at the start with a submission and said, ‘We’re in this for the long haul. “This is a commitment we not only believe in, but want to make our own,” Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn told the outlet.
“We’ve set the groundwork; it would be a shame not to take it to the next level. We’ve already invested in the concept as a home team. I’d like to see both teams [Sea Eagles and Roosters] rewarded, and we both win. We’re both looking at it as a long-term investment.”
It is reported that some NRL officials have suggested that winning clubs be granted the privilege to return.
According to News Corp, the Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs will be among the teams that choose not to return to Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, the Herald reports that the Penrith Panthers, who will be without a home ground in 2025, and the Melbourne Storm, a long-term vision of success who may take over after Craig Bellamy in 2024, will be among the frontrunners to board the plane.
The Canberra Raiders and New Zealand Warriors are the other teams that have shown early interest.
