Las Vegas is known for doing things bigger — extra-large portions, hotels and casinos. This time rugby league took over Fremont Street on an extra-large scale.
Before the trip I was told repeatedly that the Fremont Street event on Thursday would be a highlight as each of the six teams walked the red carpet and took the stage. I did not expect 16,000 fans, NRL stars doing the Dougie, and a live performance from Erasure frontman Andy Bell.
The crowd was a sea of Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos supporters, with some NRL fans mixed in. As Sky Sports Rugby League’s Barrie McDermott said on stage: “We don’t come to take part, we come to take over.” And they did.
Leeds Rhinos kicked things off in American-style bomber jackets in Leeds colours. Captain Ash Handley took the mic to praise the fans, while Ryan Hall — beloved by both Rhinos and Robins — drew a huge cheer and gave a spirited rendition of ‘Marching on Together’. The Rhinos then moved through the crowd signing autographs and posing for photos.
Hull KR arrived in a lengthy procession down the red carpet to Erasure’s ‘A Little Respect’, with fans stopping every player — particularly captain Elliot Minchella, who carried the World Club Challenge trophy. The Robins wore red bomber jackets and added personal flair: Joe Burgess sported a very large gold chain and sunglasses. Coach Willie Peters and Mikey Lewis chatted and danced on stage before Minchella introduced their “19th man” — Andy Bell — who then wowed the crowd with a live performance. Bell has often said he’s amazed the song has been embraced by a rugby league club; standing among 16,000 singing fans, that connection felt unmistakable.
The NRL teams followed, delivering dance battles, team songs, some questionable moves and even a backflip. For the evening, the players were the celebrities and VIPs, with all eyes of Las Vegas upon them. For a sport that often battles for visibility here, Super League wasn’t just visible — it consumed the whole space. Super League was extra large.
2026 Super League – key dates and what to look out for
– Rugby League in Las Vegas: Sat Feb 28 — Hull KR vs Leeds Rhinos, 11pm (Sky Sports)
– Super League’s 30th birthday: Thu Mar 26 — Castleford Tigers vs Bradford Bulls, 8pm (Sky Sports)
– Rivals Round: April 3–5
– Super League in Paris: Sat Jun 6 — Catalans Dragons vs Wigan Warriors, 6:30 UK (Sky Sports)
– Magic Weekend: July 4–5
– Rivals Round reversed: July 23–26
– Elimination Play-offs: September 19–20
– Play-off semi-finals: September 26–27
– Grand Final: October 3, Old Trafford
Sky Sports will again show every Super League game live this season — including two matches each round exclusively live, with remaining matches available via Sky Sports+.