BRADFORD and Leigh will be the Super League teams to play in Las Vegas next February, it has been confirmed.
They’ll join NRL sides Parramatta, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Wests Tigers at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, February 27.
Hull FC announced it had turned down the opportunity to play.
Leigh issued a professionally shot and edited promotional video with the announcement – featuring not players or coach Adrian Lam but owner Derek Beamont.
Beamont said in a statement: “I am absolutely buzzing and privileged to be able to take ‘little old Leigh’ to represent Super League in Las Vegas.
“This is the first time that a Lancashire and Yorkshire team will compete for the Vegas bragging rights and is the perfect platform upon which to stage a War of the Roses.
“Never has there been a more important time to showcase Super League alongside the NRL, given the shared commitment to align on many future opportunities currently being discussed, and I thank the NRL for continuing that opportunity and relationship.”
Bradford co-owner Philip Sharp commented:“We as a board and club believe the Super League event in Las Vegas highlights a huge global opportunity to showcase rugby league – and Bradford Bulls should be part of that conversation for Vegas 2027.
“Bradford Bulls is a club built on rich history and identity and we have one of the most passionate supporter bases in the sport. Taking the Bulls to Las Vegas would be about far more than just a single game; it’s an opportunity to showcase our supporters, our city and our journey on a global stage and that the Bulls are back!”
Hull chairman Andrew Thirkill issued a statement on the matter, which read in part: “Whilst we recognise the ambition behind the concept and the potential long-term benefits of promoting the sport on a global stage, the club has concluded that at this time, it would not represent the right decision for Hull FC.
“The club has determined that its priority is to focus on improving on-field performance and strengthening its position in the league.”
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