The Gold Coast Titans are setting their sights on a historic debut in the 2027 National Rugby League (NRL) season, with aspirations to kick off their campaign in the dazzling entertainment capital of Las Vegas. This potential venture would coincide with the club’s 20th anniversary, marking a significant milestone with an international showcase.
Titans CEO Steve Mitchell expressed the club’s keen interest in participating in the NRL’s increasingly prominent global presence. However, Mitchell stressed the importance of their loyal fanbase back home. To that end, the club is advocating for the fixture to be scheduled as an away game. This strategic move aims to prevent the sacrifice of a valuable home game that rightfully belongs to their dedicated members, fans, corporate partners, and sponsors.
“We’d like to take an away game to Vegas because we bring a home game up to Magic Round and we don’t want to take another game away from our members, fans, corporates and sponsors,” Mitchell explained. He added that the specific opponent is not a primary concern. “We don’t have a preference in who we play… we just want to go.”
Mitchell highlighted the perceived synergies between the Gold Coast and Las Vegas. He believes there’s a strong connection with a Gold Coast fanbase that possesses a high propensity for discretionary spending. The club anticipates significant support from individuals travelling to the US for the event.
“We’re just sitting and waiting to hear and are knocking on the door to find out what’s happening. We’re excited about how the event went this year, and it’s quite extraordinary what the Commission has been able to do over there, and we want to be part of it,” he stated.
However, Mitchell also acknowledged the broader context. “In saying that, we also know that there are larger things at play. We have an NRL program we need to get consistent, that gives our members and fans something to be proud of. We want to go to Vegas, but we want to be on the right end of the table over and above going to Vegas.”
The Gold Coast Titans are not the sole Queensland club eyeing a trip to Sin City. The Dolphins have also engaged in discussions about featuring in the Las Vegas event. Mirroring the Titans’ approach, they too have indicated a preference for travelling as the away team to avoid impacting their home game schedule.
Dolphins CEO Terry Reader confirmed the club’s readiness. “We want to be an away side, same with the Titans,” Reader stated. He elaborated on the current landscape: “Right now, it’s about working out which two teams are going to have the home games, and I think Parramatta [have indicated] they want to be a home side.”
Reader is confident in the Dolphins’ preparedness. “From our point of view, our club is ready to go. We’ll be into our fifth season in 2027, we have a big fan base with a lot of corporate support and I think in the first year when the Broncos went, it was still very new and people didn’t quite know, but we now see how big it is and we’ve got the other half of Brisbane who can’t wait to get behind us and go.”
He also pointed out the potential appeal for television audiences. “I’m sure for the TV market as well, having a Sydney club play a Brisbane club is an important factor.” The Dolphins are actively engaged in the process with the NRL. “We are currently working through the process with the NRL and waiting to be told who’s going,” Reader concluded.
Beyond the Queensland rivals, the Parramatta Eels are reportedly strong contenders for a Las Vegas appearance. A potential matchup between the Eels and one of the Queensland clubs could ignite an Origin-style rivalry on the international stage, adding another layer of excitement to the event.
The NRL’s Las Vegas showcase is a highly sought-after opportunity. Several clubs, including the Dolphins, Gold Coast Titans, Parramatta Eels, Melbourne Storm, and the yet-to-debut expansion side, the Perth Bears, are yet to experience this unique fixture. With limited spots available each year, it’s inevitable that at least one of these interested clubs will miss out on the coveted international opening.
While these strategic discussions unfold behind closed doors, the immediate focus for both the Titans and the Dolphins shifts to a highly anticipated Queensland derby. This weekend, the Titans will face the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium in what is expected to be a fiercely contested match. Mitchell anticipates a spirited performance from both sides, recognising the intensity inherent in a local rivalry. “Both of these teams will turn up to play because they’re playing each other in a derby… It’s going to be a great day on Sunday,” he remarked.
