First America, then the world: Vegas 9s sparks global interest

More than 16 North American teams have entered the NRL's Vegas 9s as officials consider expanding the tournament in future years following interest from grassroots clubs in Australia, England and South Africa.

The Vegas 9s will be played on February 29 and March 1 ahead of the NRL’s historic season opening double header at Allegiant Stadium on March 2 in which the Sea Eagles will play the Rabbitohs and the Roosters take on the Broncos.

Like the NFL-style Combine that the NRL is conducting on the day of the double-header for North American male and female athletes, the Vegas 9s will feature men’s and women’s tournaments.

USARL champions Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans, who beat Jacksonville Axeman in the 2023 national final, are among the teams from across North America to have officially entered the tournament.

Others US teams include the Brooklyn Kings, Boston 13s, LA Mongrel, San Diego Barracudas and the Afro-centric Roots Rugby Family, with the latter three having also entered women’s teams.

Utah Rugby League has confirmed that the Provo Broncos, Glendale Storm, Herriman Roosters and Riverton Seagulls would also travel to Las Vegas for the tournament.

The vision that we see for this in coming years is that teams from Australia and England or other parts of the world could enter.

Brad Donald GM of Player Pathways

Canada’s BC Bulldogs and Storm, Ontario Ospreys and Toronto Saints have entered men’s or women’s teams, or both.

Applications are open for clubs wanting to take part.

Canada Ravens coach Mike Castle, who along with Jillaroos coach Brad Donald is helping to organise the Vegas 9s and Combine in their roles with the NRL, said the events were attracting new players from other sports to the game in North America.

“The 9s will be an opportunity for more people to give rugby league a go,” said Castle, who is NRL pathways project manager.

“It is a two-day tournament, so it is easy to fit in if you are playing other sports and want to try rugby league.

“I know a couple of the Canadian teams have been able to engage new players because it is an opportunity to go to Vegas and try the game.”

USA women’s coach Ady Cooney is also helping to organise and promote the Vegas 9s and Combine, which he believes can have a major impact on the growth of the game in the United States.

“It’s about getting people access to the game that have never had it before, and I think the big ticket is being able to go and watch the NRL games after that,” Cooney said.

“Seeing the standard in the flesh is always different to watching it on TV and I think if people play in the Vegas 9s and then to go to the NRL games they will get excited about rugby league and want to play.

“I think the NRL has a five-year plan to keep coming back to the United States so hopefully this grows every year, and we can build on that.”

While the interest in North America has been strong for this year’s Vegas 9s, Donald said he had also fielded inquiries from grassroots teams in Australia, England and South Africa wanting to take part.

In future years, the tournament could be expanded to become a World 9s tournament for grassroots clubs from around the globe.

“There is $40,000 prize money on offer and the vision that we see for this in coming years is that teams from Australia and England or other parts of the world could enter,” said Donald, GM of player pathways for the NRL.

“Imagine a club like [2023 Illawarra premiers] the Thirroul Butchers, instead of spending money on end-of-season trip away, they come to Vegas in their pre-season and play.

“Our aim is to bring all of the rugby league community together while growing the game in North America.”

The NRL will also hold an NFL-style Combine in Las Vegas on March 2, with 25 male and 25 female athletes from North America to take part in a series of physical testing and skills assessment.