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‘Miami would be cool’: Players and clubs back NRL’s global round plans
Nathan Cleary and rugby-bound Mark Nawaqanitawase have led a chorus of support for the NRL’s global round concept, encouraging the game’s leaders to launch each season in cities around the world.
This masthead first reported the story on Saturday, revealing the NRL had ambitious plans to launch the 2027 season in cities such as London, Dubai, and Hong Kong in a bid to expand on its Las Vegas venture.
The news has been well received by the Australian players, who were talking about the NRL initiative when the story broke on the day of the first Test against England at Wembley Stadium. Cleary says he’d like the Panthers to play on the United States’ east coast.
“I should probably say Manchester, because then I could see Mary [partner Mary Fowler],” Cleary said.
“But maybe Miami or something. That would be pretty cool. Selfishly, as a player, you just want to have more of those experiences. You want to go away and play in different environments. Like today [at Wembley] was just incredible. They’re things you remember for the rest of your life.
“I think that’s probably one thing that rugby union has had over rugby league. It’s the fact that they get to travel and go to different places. If rugby league is able to do that, I can only see it growing more. It’s exciting.”
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys met this masthead at the team hotel after the Kangaroos’ 26-6 victory to outline his vision for a global round.
He said several Super League clubs had approached him about partnering with the NRL on the concept after becoming aware of the NRL’s plans.
“I think the game has to be globalised, and you need to have ambition,” V’landys said.
“I’ve always said you need to get new revenues. New revenues have to come from other markets. There’s been a lot of countries who have shown interest in paying us some big dollars to take a game to their country, so we have to look at it.
“We have to look at the business plan and see if we can do it. There’s a lot of interest. We’ve already had countries approach us.
“We had Super League clubs today very keen to join us in some of those countries. Even in its initial stages as just a concept, it’s generated significant interest. We have to go to the clubs, the players, and see what we can do. If it’s profitable for us to do it, a lot will have to do with the broadcast [partners]. If we can make this an international broadcast, it may bring in new revenues we haven’t seen before.”
While this masthead reported the NRL was hopeful of having all nine games abroad in 2027, the NRL’s initial plan is to still split the opening round and have some teams playing in Australia and New Zealand. There’s the potential for up to six games to be taken overseas.
“Miami is definitely a place we’ve looked at,” V’landys said.
“It’s a happening place where people will want to go. But again, the tourism bureau over there has to be interested and assist us in getting us there.
While the NRL lost money in the first year of its Las Vegas adventure, a lucrative tourism deal resulted in it finishing the second visit with a profit.
The NRL added close to $US70 million to Las Vegas tourism revenue in the week leading into the game, with tourists from Australia, England, and New Zealand turning the party capital of the US into rugby league headquarters for a week. V’landys said he won’t be deterred by criticism.
“They said we couldn’t start on the 28th May (returning from COVID), they said Las Vegas would be a failure,” V’landys said.
“If you listen to the negative narks, you would do nothing. You’d stay in bed all day.”
NRL global round - what they said
Kangaroos player, Mark Nawaqanitawase: “It’s a great idea. Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo are running a great ship. This is another step to taking the game worldwide. I’d love to see it. I’m sure a lot of people around the world would love to see it. It’s a great game and there’s plenty more of it to come.”
Kangaroos halfback, Nathan Cleary: “I didn’t know much about it, but the boys were talking about it today. I instantly thought it was a great idea. The more we can promote the game and get it onto eyes that haven’t seen it. I think the product of rugby league is the best sport in the world, it’s probably just that people haven’t watched enough of it.”
Blake Solly, South Sydney Rabbitohs chief executive: “We haven’t got much detail and the ARLC are probably doing their due diligence right now. But, the ambition to grow the profile of the NRL competition, and put the clubs and players onto the world stage is welcome. The NRL competition and sport are in great health. Given the competition is in such great shape, we should always be looking to continue growing - in both our traditional and new markets.”
Jim Sarantinos, Parramatta Eels chief executive: “It’s an interesting concept, but one we don’t have much information about at this stage. I think any initiative that can help to grow the profile of the game, take the game beyond our existing markets, and provide new experiences for our players and fans of the game is worthwhile exploring.”
Adam Driussi, Canterbury Bulldogs chairman: “The concept of a global round is an exciting one that could showcase rugby league to new audiences internationally while giving our supporters unique opportunities to see their team play in iconic cities around the world. If the NRL can deliver this in a way that works for clubs, players and fans, it’s something we’d embrace.”
Peter V’landys, Australian Rugby League Commission chairman: “When I saw the Broncos stay in Los Angeles and visit some of those big franchise basketball teams and NFL teams - they came back different people. They learnt a lot. They learnt what sports are about and how sportspeople prepare. It’s a life experience that every sportsman would want. They loved it, and that’s the sort of thing we want to encourage in the future.”
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Michael Chammas is a sports reporter with The Sydney Morning HeraldConnect via X or email.