KARL Fitzpatrick believes Las Vegas is benefitting the whole of Super League – and there may be a domestic repeat of its glitz and glamour.
Warrington’s history-making match against Wigan in Sin City attracted a new level of interest in the 13-a-side code on this side of the world.
Karl Fitzpatrick says Warrington and Wigan are looking at ways of adding to the glamour of their Magic Weekend clash after playing in Las VegasSWPIX.COM
It introduced it to new markets, as well as new fans and brought an increased examination from NRL bosses, who are linked with buying into the competition.
But despite a lack of approaches from Stateside companies looking to get involved financially, Wolves chief exec Fitzpatrick believes the ‘halo effect’ is happening.
He said: “It’s been an incredible success.
“We’ve had record-breaking digital engagement, it was the second-highest viewed regular season game in Super League history, which is phenomenal.
“We spoke about the halo effect before the game, after it there’s been a continuation of that.
“Overall, the initiative and objectives were achieved and the NRL was super-impressed with what we brought to the table.
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“They were taken aback with the atmosphere supporters created, not just at the game but at fan hubs at the hotel, it was off the scale.
“And it gave the game a much-needed boost. Personally, I’ve had nothing from Las Vegas-based businesses but what I was taken aback with was in every taxi and every time I spoke to someone, they heard the accent and asked, ‘Are you here for the rugby?’
“There’s a lot going on in Vegas, it’s a massive city and rugby league managed to break through all that noise and grab attention.”
After Warrington and Wigan took the plunge, Super League will return to Vegas in 2026 with Leeds and St Helens leading the charge.
Having two different teams there was one of Fitzpatrick’s aims, along with a closer working relationship with the NRL.
The Super League sides joined the NRL at their Las Vegas showpiece, attracting some 10,000 travelling fans.SWPIX.COM
He also revealed there may be more showbiz surrounding their clash at Magic Weekend in May.
Talk of a buyout of Super League is growing but a buy-in is more likely as he added: “It’s opened their eyes to what we have and piqued their interest.
“It showed them the potential our game has and they understand that. There are only two major leagues in the world. It makes sense to work together and there’s a willingness to make it work.
“We’ve got to keep this momentum going and it enthused Sky – we’re now discussing what can we do at Magic Weekend? We play Wigan again and we want it to be a spectacle.
“Vegas showed us what can be achieved with this game in terms of putting it on the right platform, attention to detail, brand consistency, treating the players like the superstars they are and supporters buy into that.
“Let’s do something special there.”
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