The excitement is building for rugby fans as the National Rugby League (NRL) gears up for its 2025 season, which kicks off on March 1. This season marks the second consecutive year that the opening weekend will take place in Las Vegas. Organizers aim to attract more American viewers by showcasing the sport in a global entertainment hub. The Las Vegas Rugby League Festival is set to feature an exciting lineup, including two NRL matches, a Super League match, and a women’s international Test match, all held at the Allegiant Stadium.
One of the highlights of the festival is the match between the defending champions, the Penrith Panthers, and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. In another face-off, the Canberra Raiders will take on the New Zealand Warriors. These matches are part of a broader initiative to promote the sport and engage fans in the U.S. Apart from these games, numerous other season-opening matches will take place in Australia and New Zealand.
Fans in Australia can catch all the action for free on Channel Nine, and those based in the United States or elsewhere will have the opportunity to view the matches using a VPN. This technology enables viewers outside Australia to stream the games without any restrictions.
How to Watch the NRL
For those keen to tune into the NRL matches, here are the essential details:
- Season Dates: March 1, 2025, to October 2025
- Broadcasting Channel: Channel Nine in Australia
- Streaming Options: Fans can stream the games live through WatchNRL.com or via 9Now using a VPN for those located outside Australia.
Opening Matches
The much-anticipated season opener on March 1 includes two main matches:
- Penrith Panthers vs. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
- Canberra Raiders vs. New Zealand Warriors
These matches will be held in Las Vegas, while the remaining games for the season-opening weekend will occur in Australia.
The Competing Teams
The NRL consists of professional rugby clubs located across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and New Zealand. The following teams will be competing this season:
- Brisbane Broncos
- Canberra Raiders
- Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
- Gold Coast Titans
- Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
- Melbourne Storm
- North Queensland Cowboys
- Parramatta Eels
- Penrith Panthers
- St. George Illawarra Dragons
- Sydney Roosters
- New Zealand Warriors
- Wests Tigers
- South Sydney Rabbitohs
- Newcastle Knights
- Dolphins
Live Streaming in the U.S.
For the U.S. audience, the NRL matches will be broadcast live in Australia on Channel Nine (accessible on 9Now). However, for viewers outside Australia, a VPN will be necessary to access these streams. Fans interested in keeping up with all the action can sign up for a subscription to WatchNRL.com, which allows streaming of major rugby matches. Pricing starts at $24 AUD per week (approximately $15 USD), but a yearly subscription is available for around $229 AUD or roughly $158 USD, providing access to every game of the season.
Las Vegas Rugby League Festival Schedule
Here’s a quick look at the full schedule for the Las Vegas Festival on March 1:
- 4:30 PM: Super League – Wigan Warriors vs. Warrington Wolves
- 7:00 PM: NRL – Canberra Raiders vs. New Zealand Warriors
- 9:00 PM: Women’s Test Match – Australian Jillaroos vs. England Women
- 11:30 PM: NRL – Penrith Panthers vs. Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Fans are eager for an action-packed season, and the introduction of early matches in Las Vegas adds an exciting twist to the traditional rugby calendar. As the NRL looks to expand its reach, viewers all around the globe are ready to tune in and support their teams. Whether in Australia or abroad, the upcoming season promises to deliver thrilling moments and showcase the incredible talent within the league.
