Editorial Assistant Beth Nicholls takes us for a ride as they recap the NRL’s debut in America and their predictions for games one and two.
For the first time in its 117-year history, the NRL premiership will be leaving the home grounds of Australia and New Zealand, and touching down on American soil for the season opener on the 3rd of March.
There has been much anticipation and excitement surrounding the NRL’s 2024 season to kick off from Las Vegas, with the stars of the show being the Manly Sea Eagles, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Sydney Roosters, and Brisbane Broncos.
Allegiant Stadium is home to the NRL doubleheader, which was also recently the backdrop for the 2024 NFL Super Bowl, where the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers. The Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs open the competition, playing at 1:30 PM AEDT, followed by the Roosters v Broncos at 3:30 PM AEDT.
Las Vegas has a reputation, making this season opener explosive on and off the playing field. With four of the best NRL teams coming together, there will surely be many magical moments across the course of Sunday; however, there are fears of what the Sin City location will do to the players beyond the field.
Taking the game to the United States is an interesting choice, especially when there could be much more focus on grassroots rugby league back at home. However, taking the game to a bigger stage is an exciting move and allows the game Australia and New Zealand already know and love, to be introduced to a new audience. On Friday the 1st of March, ticket sales had surpassed forty-thousand; this was the goal set by Peter V’Landys, the Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, which can be seen as a major success of the NRL entering the American market.
The digital marketing behind the NRL hitting America is quite intriguing, as it pits our game against the NFL; in comparison, rugby league looks much more intense and fast-paced (which in my opinion is the cold hard truth anyway).
Game One. Manly Sea Eagles v South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Both teams missed out on making a finals campaign last year and will be wanting to start their 2024 season on a high note. The Sea Eagles have had a heavy recruiting off-season, including the signing of former Tiger, Luke Brooks. On the other hand, the Rabbitohs will be without the newly signed Jack Wighton due to suspension, along with missing Campbell Graham (due to injury). It could be anyone’s game and will be right down to the wire, but I think the Bunnies will prevail and take the win in the end.
Game Two. Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos.
The Broncos were all but destined to win the 2023 Grand Final, until the last ten minutes hit them, and it crumbled right before their eyes. Much like the Roosters, who were almost through to a preliminary final before Will Warbrick scored a match-winning try for the Melbourne Storm in the final two minutes of the match. Both teams are boasting a roster filled with experience and new signings and will be looking to claim revenge after their respective, tragic 2023 seasons end. As a Broncos lover (sorry to any Roosters supporters reading this), I think the Broncos will get the job done and will secure a win to start their season.
P.S: By the time this is published the NRL season will be underway and we will know who won each game, which may end up embarrassing the author.
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