BREAKING: Four teams locked in for 2027 Las Vegas NRL season opener
The NRL have confirmed the Melbourne Storm, Wests Tigers, Parramatta Eels and Gold Coast Titans as the four teams to be part of the 2027 Las Vegas season opener extravaganza.Since first bringing rugby league to Las Vegas in 2024, the annual event has rapidly evolved into one of the biggest spectacles on the NRL calendar, attracting global reach and huge travelling crowds.
The match-up between the Melbourne Storm and Wests Tigers pits two clubs against each other who have taken very different paths in recent years.
Melbourne’s sustained success has allowed them to be a regular feature in finals football and they have played in the last two grand finals against the Broncos and Panthers.
While the Tigers have endured a challenging period on the field and have spent several years rebuilding their squad.
However, under head coach Benji Marshall, the club has rapidly become one of the NRL’s most-talked-about sides, thanks to its young core and exciting playing style.
The other match taking place will be between the Parramatta Eels and the Gold Coast Titans.
For the Titans, the selection comes as they prepare to celebrate their 20th anniversary celebrations in 2027, commemorating the full 20 years since the club first entered the competition.
Meanwhile, the Eels will head to the United States as one of the NRL’s most recognisable and widely supported clubs and it will be the first time they won’t be playing against the Storm in Round 1 since 2024.
The decision to select the four clubs leaves the Dolphins as the only remaining team yet to travel to Las Vegas.
However, that is expected to change in the coming years alongside the Perth Bears who will officially enter the NRL competition in 2027.
The NRL releases a statement confirming the four teams on Wednesday Morning.
“The National Rugby League (NRL) has confirmed Parramatta Eels will face Gold Coast Titans, while Melbourne Storm will clash with Wests Tigers at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, on Saturday, February 27 (Sunday, February 28 in Australia),” the NRL said in a statement.
“The NRL also announced that English Super League clubs Bradford Bulls and Leigh Leopards will be part of the Vegas extravaganza in 2027.
“Further information on match scheduling and broadcast will be announced at a later date.
“The NRL has officially launched special travel packages featuring direct charter flights travelling from three Australian states.
“Four direct NRL charter flights — two from Sydney and one each from Brisbane and Melbourne — will fly directly to Las Vegas, each themed to participating clubs.”
Tigers CEO Shaun Mielekamp couldn’t resist a cheeky dig at the NRL over the Tigers’ involvement.
“This is much better than having a bye in the first round, that’s for sure,” Mielekamp told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“For us, Vegas has been a bit of a journey. For me personally, I need to give credit to the board and the whole Holman Barnes Group for backing us financially, because it costs money to go to Vegas. Without their support we wouldn’t have gone.
“It just shows the aspiration of the club. It’s a great time for us to show we’re a club moving forward. We weren’t ready the last few seasons, but the back of house is going pretty good, the roster is nice and solid and [coach] Benji [Marshall] is established now.“It’s a good sign we’re moving forward … We want to be part of big matches, we want to be part of the big show. This gives us a platform for that.”
It is a stunning reversal from former CEO Shane Richardson, who said the Tigers would never go to Las Vegas under his watch.
“Las Vegas was a f---ing disaster, and it was a party trip for everybody; I don’t want to go,” Richardson told the AFR in 2024. “I’m all about rugby league and … those little Christmas cakes don’t make any difference to the game at all.”
However. the Tigers face a huge task to end the Storm’s Round 1 unbeaten run under Craig Bellamy.
“Someone has to break the Melbourne Storm round one hoodoo,” Mielekamp said.
“Why not us?”
Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos felt the club was the best placed it has been to participate in the fourth instalment of the Las Vegas initiative.
“It’s an opportunity to create a different experience and point of connection for everyone associated with the club and those who come along on the trip,” Sarantinos told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to play on that stage. In having spoken to other clubs, it’s an opportunity to bring you closer together – your sponsors, members and fans. There are often fond memories from being on away trips together. This is the ultimate away trip.”
Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said the historic opportunity marked a significant milestone for the club and would create an unforgettable experience for members, fans and corporate partners.
“We’re incredibly excited to be heading to Las Vegas in 2027,” Mitchell said.
“This is a landmark opportunity for our club, kickstarting our 20-year celebrations on one of the biggest stages in the world.
“With the enduring support of the city, led by Mayor Tom Tate, the Gold Coast is an internationally recognised destination and there’s a natural synergy between our region and the entertainment capital of the US, Las Vegas.
“We’re also fortunate to have the expertise of our shareholders Jackie and Billy Cross, who have operated in Las Vegas for more than 30 years, and Gorden Tallis and Matty Johns - both of whom have played key roles in each of the previous three Vegas openers.
“Alongside the unwavering support of Rebecca and Brett Frizelle - passionate advocates for the event since its inception, the Titans are uniquely positioned to deliver a fan experience like no other.
“The NRL’s global strategy is extraordinary, and the Las Vegas concept has been the foundation of engaging with new markets and audiences abroad.
“We know there will be tremendous interest from our entire community to travel across and be part of the occasion, and we can’t wait to see Gold Coast Titans colours in Vegas in 2027.”
“The all-inclusive packages are the only way to secure tickets for the 2027 games for an exclusive three-week window via TripADeal at vegastravel.nrl.com,” the NRL statement read.
“Fans will also have the ability to redeem Qantas Frequent Flyer points for charter seats, while earning points and status credits as part of the experience.
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