LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Rugby League in Las Vegas 2025: Super League's chance to etch its name into American folklore and catch the eye of the NFL audience?
"When you rock up at an NFL game, you're hit with a uniquely American spectacle.
The way they do sport is unlike anywhere else in the world," says one keen observer.
"I had my first taste of NFL action back in December 2023 when I saw the New York Jets thrash the Houston Texans 30-6 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey," recalls the fan.
"I'll admit, I was a bit of a rookie when it came to American football, but I was immediately struck by how each game is a spectacle in its own right: the tailgating is a party like no other, the fans decked out in jerseys, hats, beads, scarves, sunglasses - all adorned with their team's colors, and the match itself is a mix of entertainment and athleticism," they continue.
"The chants of 'defense' echo through the stands, with die-hard fans doing their part to amp up the crowd.
Tears well up as the American anthem plays before kick-off," they add.
"There's a strong sense of patriotism in the sport, with fans wholeheartedly believing that nothing can compare.
Similarly, Super League supporters are fiercely loyal to their local clubs and believe there's no sporting contest quite like rugby league," they explain.
Now, rugby league has been given a prime spot on one of the NFL's grandest stages to prove its worth.
This is a chance for the Super League to make a mark, to show the Americans what it's made of, and maybe even convert a few gridiron enthusiasts along the way.