Skip to main content
NEU job vacancy
Rugby league's Las Vegas gamble should attract US fans to a familiar sport
This weekend’s Super League matches across the pond could be a boon for the sport, writes JAMES NALTON
Warrington Wolves' Zane Musgrove (right) tackled by Huddersfield Giants' Zac Woolford during the Super League match at Kirkleas Stadium, Huddersfieldm February 16, 2025

THE US should already love rugby league, a sport which shares many traits with the hugely popular sports of American and Canadian football, but without the helmets and the stoppages.

This weekend, it gets a chance to see rugby league in all its glory, as teams from the sport’s heartlands in England and Australia fly to Las Vegas for a showpiece event on Saturday night.

When US sports fans think of rugby, they likely automatically think of rugby union.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Detroit Prowl's Toya Shinaul, from left to right, Kelly Bernadyn, Sydney Hebel, Jasmine Hamilton and Allie Gorcyca walk out for the coin toss at the start of an AWFL women's football game against the Lansing Legacy, in Allen Park, Mich., Saturday, May 10, 2025
Tackle Football / 24 June 2025
24 June 2025

LARRY LAGE writes about the growth of tackle football and how it provides female athletes opportunities in a game previously dominated by men

Wigan Warriors Jai Field scores a try during the Super Leagu
Sport / 2 March 2025
2 March 2025
Leigh Leopards' Gareth O'Brien (6) celebrates scoring a drop
Men’s Rugby League / 14 February 2025
14 February 2025
JAMES NALTON analyses how Leigh shocked Wigan in extra time on Thursday night after the first 0-0 draw after 80 minutes in Super League history