Penrith will help launch the 2025 NRL season next month with an historic trip to Las Vegas to take on the Sharks. Here’s what you need to know…
The game
Penrith face 2024 Preliminary Final opponents Cronulla in the highlight match of the NRL’s Las Vegas spectacle at 8.30pm on Saturday, March 1 Las Vegas time.
The match is being played at Allegiant Stadium.
There’s three other games being played at the venue on the day, including another NRL clash between Canberra and the Warriors, a Women’s Test between Australia and England and an English Super League showdown between Warrington and Wigan.
Tickets are still available if you’re planning a late minute trip. Buy them here.
Watching the game in Australia
The game will be live into Australia at 3.30pm on Sunday, March 2 on Channel Nine, Fox League and Kayo.
Footy takes over Vegas
Tens of thousands of rugby league fans will converge on Las Vegas in the week leading up to the game.
Fox League will again go all out with its coverage, but there’s no confirmation yet of live tapings of ‘NRL 360’ and ‘The Matty Johns Show’. However, they will be locked in soon.
The NRL is hosting a Las Vegas Nines Tournament on both Thursday, February 27 and Friday, February 28.
The league is also holding an official Lunch on Thursday, February 27.
There will be a number of unofficial league-themed events during the week, with Blondie’s Sports Bar in particular getting into the NRL spirit.
Weekender on the ground
The Western Weekender will be on the ground in Las Vegas for the big game, with Managing Editor Troy Dodds on deck for the match.
He’ll be sharing some unique insights, so make sure you stay across our socials.
In addition, The Masked Panther is also a confirmed starter for Vegas – so expect plenty of gossip out of the week.
Safe travel to Las Vegas
The NRL has issued Smart Traveller advice in relation to the Las Vegas trip. Click here for details.
If you’re going to the ground
There are no pass outs, so once you’re in, you’re in. That makes it a difficult decision for Panthers fans – a long day watching all four games, or a later arrival?
Allegiant Stadium is a cashless venue. There’s also pretty strict bag policies, so make sure you check before you go. Details here.
How do the Vegas games impact the competition?
The two NRL matches in Vegas are officially considered as Round 1 matches, however no other Round 1 games are played across the opening weekend. The weekend is unofficially known as Round 0.
The rest of Round 1 will be played the following weekend with the Vegas teams not involved, giving them enough time to return to Australia and prepare for Round 2.

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