The NRL is expected to decide whether to bid for a global round within the next three months, with a model of gradual international expansion on a yearly basis likely.
ARL committee chairman Peter Brandis confirmed the NRL has a three-year plan for the initiative, which will eventually culminate in a double-header in at least four cities.
The fixture boss also told AAP that Las Vegas will remain on the calendar beyond the current deal, which ends in 2028, and is the league’s anchor event.
But the V’Randys have made no secret of the fact that they have plans to expand on the concept ahead of Saturday’s season opener doubleheader at Allegiant Stadium.
The NRL is back in Las Vegas after last year’s huge success. (Instagram: Jed Stuart)
The NRL is particularly keen to host matches in London as early as next year.
Miami, Hong Kong, Tokyo and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have emerged as other potential options, with the idea of holding an NRL double-header alongside Super League matches in each city.
“We will work on it gradually. We will develop a three-year plan to achieve at least four goals.” [cities]” Mr Vrandies told AAP.
“We’re working on it now. We’re looking at all the business cases, so we’ll know in the next three months.”
Fans showed up in droves for the NRL’s first few visits to the United States. (ABC News: Cameron Schwartz)
Buoyed by the estimated 16,000 fans who packed downtown Las Vegas for Thursday night’s launch, V’landys is growing more confident.
“Las Vegas is our anchor event and we’re always going to be in Las Vegas,” he said.
“This is proof of that. We’re seeing our fans having a great time.” [and] Everything we do will be at the top of Las Vegas.
“We replicate everything [in other cities]. I want to make a list of things I want to do [item] For fans to go.
“I’m sure we’ll get the same reaction, especially if we go to London.
“And in Hong Kong, Japan and the Middle East. I think we can replicate that.”
Canterbury have already indicated their intention to travel again next year, but the most likely next outcome will be a match in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
On Friday, St George Illawarra manager Shane Flanagan also announced his club would be happy to travel again next year, pushing the idea of a general bye if all teams travel in the first round.
However, North Queensland’s Todd Payten expressed concerns about further trips given the Cowboys and Warriors already have more mileage than any other club.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten is concerned about the strain on his players due to increased travel. (Getty Images: Ian Hitchcock)
“I’m happy to stay in Asia. I’ve traveled enough. London is too far away,” Payten said.
“We drive 60,000km throughout the season, so that’s plenty of distance.”
And Newcastle have also indicated they are willing to travel abroad again soon, but not at the expense of home games.
Knights chief executive Peter Parr said: “We are open to that, but at this stage it is a conditional support.”
“We have given up on the home game at Newcastle.” [all the advantage Vegas carries].
“But if we are going to commit to doing something in the future, it will be based on the away team.
“We’re delighted to have 5,000 people here and at the same time it means we have a huge number of supporters coming back to Newcastle so we won’t be putting them at a disadvantage.”
Vrandys said that while concerns were a common theme among clubs, he believes the league can persuade clubs or find another way to make it happen.
“We’re going to make it economically attractive for them,” he said.
“Everything is on the table and we are considering everything.
“And that’s the beauty of rugby league right now. We’re willing to make the tough decisions as long as we believe in them.”
“If there’s a business case, we’ll make changes. We’re willing to be flexible.”
AAP