The Storm have officially withdrawn from the race for a spot in Las Vegas next year, despite being considered one of the favorites to open the 2025 season in America.
The NRL made history earlier this year with a highly successful double-header at Allegiant Stadium featuring the Rabbitohs, Sea Eagles, Broncos and Roosters as part of a long-term commitment to play matches in the region.
It is still unclear which clubs will be chosen to play there next year, with the Panthers, Raiders, Sharks and Warriors named as teams leading the race to play in Vegas, with the NRL expected to make a decision soon to give fans enough time to start planning their trips.
This season’s matches in the United States put the code well ahead of the AFL and were so well received that clubs are keen to get in on the action in 2025.
The Melbourne Storm (star Nick Meaney was pictured in action last Saturday) were keen to play in next year’s Las Vegas match but changed their mind in a statement released on Friday
What we do know is that the Storm will not be there after the club announced on Friday that it had reconsidered its options based on new information that had come to light.
‘Storm had expressed an interest in being involved in the 2025 competition, but after reviewing the NRL’s proposed terms and taking all other factors into consideration, the club has instead decided to focus on preparing closer at home,” the statement said.
The Storm remain open to playing there in the future, but will focus on Fiji for now, having played a trial match against the Knights there a few months ago.
“We are always looking for new ways to grow our club and the game more broadly,” Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said.
The season-opening Sin City double-header was a roaring success and clubs – with the exception of the Storm – are keen to get in on the action in 2025 (Photo: Brisbane’s Reece Walsh plays against the Roosters in Las Vegas)
“While we support the NRL’s vision for international growth and expansion, the time is not right for Storm to move to Vegas in 2025.
“Having played two trial matches outside Victoria in 2024, including the groundbreaking trial match in Fiji, the club will focus its efforts on its local members, fans and participants.
“We are more than happy to discuss future opportunities with the NRL, whether that be in Vegas, Fiji or other markets where there are opportunities to grow the game and involve the Storm.”