New Super League plan emerges after Las Vegas success
09:33, 02 Mar 2026Updated 09:34, 02 Mar 2026
Hull KR Fans in Las Vegas
Although Hull KR’s Sin City gamble did not pay off on the field, the week in Las Vegas provided a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the passionate and loyal supporters who made the 10,000-mile round trip to the United States.
A 58-6 defeat to Leeds Rhinos at Allegiant Stadium was a poor way to end what has been a memorable week or so for the Robins, who departed for America with the World Club Challenge trophy accompanying them after beating Brisbane Broncos just days earlier.
Josh McAllister was in Las Vegas for the week to cover the events and Super League game. Here he gives his thoughts on some of the talking points to emerge.
Chaotic Fremont Street takeover
Rugby league ’s chaotic takeover of Fremont Street was one of the week’s standout moments, as 16,000 fans descended on the five-block entertainment strip to cheer on all six teams.
Super League proved its value throughout the week, but British supporters made their biggest statement on Fremont Street. A sea of red and white, and blue and amber, dominated the strip – and it was the Robins who generated the loudest noise. Andy Bell, frontman of Erasure, led the club’s official song in a moment few will forget, as Brian Carney described this year’s event as “bigger and better” than last year’s.
NRL superstars blown away
The biggest names in the NRL were taken aback by the travelling Super League supporters. Ash Handley revealed on stage at Fremont Street that his Australian counterparts had expressed envy at the level of support.
Kalyn Ponga did his best to rally Newcastle Knights fans in downtown Las Vegas – but it paled in comparison to the Super League contingent. When Leeds and Hull KR were the first two teams to take to the stage, the atmosphere reached its peak. Perhaps, in future, organisers may consider revisiting the arrangements to ensure that energy is maintained throughout.
Earlier in the week, Super League also dominated the official fan hub launch at Resorts World Las Vegas.
“This is crazy,” Ponga told Australian media at the event. “You English fans are mental – mad. This is nuts. It’s been insane.”
Huddersfield in trouble
Head coach Willie Peters was furious after his side’s performance at Allegiant Stadium, branding it the worst of his tenure.
Upon Rovers’ return to east Hull, attention will swiftly turn to Sunday’s trip to face Huddersfield Giants. Luke Robinson’s side will be braced for a wounded Hull KR outfit, hurting and hungry to respond after the 58-6 defeat to Leeds Rhinos. The two clubs have the unwanted record of being the only ones without a win so far this season in Super League. To using a boxing parlance, given we’re in Las Vegas an all, someone’s O has got to go.
Time for the NRL to contribute
Peter V’landys said Super League fans had “added another dimension” to the Las Vegas spectacle. He described their support as “very important” and it has since been confirmed that discussions will now take place between the NRL and the RFL regarding the financial arrangements.
As it stands, Super League clubs fund their own involvement – resulting in financial losses and one club sacrificing a home fixture to take a game on the road.
Nigel Wood is set to meet with his Australian counterparts to discuss the future of the Las Vegas venture. “We will look at what the arrangements are,” said the senior executive director of the RFL.
More games on the road
Leeds Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease has urged Super League to now lead their own events having seen first hand the success of Vegas.
Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors are believed to be closing in on a match in Dublin, we’ve got Wigan going to Paris to play Catalans, while Nigel Wood has backed the idea of taking more games on the road.