French and Williams talk Las Vegas

The Betfred Super League is going to Las Vegas – for the first time ever!

Let’s go, Vegas 25!! ?

Who’s ready for the Rugby League event of the year? ?#SuperLeague

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 9, 2024

Following the recent announcement that Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves will feature when Rugby League returns to Las Vegas in 2025, Bevan French and George Williams have both expressed their excitement at this groundbreaking opportunity for the sport:

“I’m excited above all,” Wigan's French said, who will be part of the action at the 65,000-capacity Allegiant Stadium next March.

“It’s exciting, given the stadium itself – it’s hosted the NFL Superbowl – it’s a big stadium and there’s going to be the NRL games and the Women’s Test-game. Just to be a part of that is exciting.

“Excitement is the only word that springs to mind at the moment. Everybody is looking forward to it and is eager to get there.”

Warrington’s Williams also commented:

“First and foremost, I’m excited. To go over to America and play rugby league is probably unheard of. I’m excited to get there – I watched the NRL games there before and the stadium looked unreal.

“As players you want to be involved in the biggest games and biggest stadiums, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Wigan and Warrington will be joined by England Women in Las Vegas, who will play the world champion Australia Jillaroos in a highly anticipated international fixture.

All three English teams will be a part of a historic four-game schedule, featuring the very best rugby league players on the planet, with two NRL matches also making up this epic extravaganza.

“The fans are going to be from multiple different countries, and it’ll be a very diverse audience. The platform is huge,” said French.

“It’s not just the game or the game day, it’s about the whole week in general and the build-up and showcasing our sport.”

“It’s going to be such an eye opener for people.”

French and Williams were both viewers of the NRL’s Las Vegas double-header event back in March, and were in awe of its quality spectacle:

“I watched the last Las Vegas games, and you could tell it was a different brand of rugby league,” French explained.

“It was free reign and entertainment, and I think we’ve got the squad to be able to do that and so do Warrington - I think we’ll fit right in.

“I think it will be entertaining for the American sports fans watching, and I think they will be really impressed with the physical side of things and the ability of the game going non-stop for 80 minutes. Hopefully they’ll be entertained by that.”

And Williams admitted he is delighted to be involved in 2025's occasion after seeing the success of this year's event:

“I loved watching them – I was jealous to be honest, so I’m really pleased we can get out there ourselves and that we can showcase rugby league, and most importantly Super League.

“American sports fans love the NFL, they love contact sport, and we’ve got plenty of contact in our sport. Everyone who watches our game normally enjoys it so the more eyes we can get on it, the better, and there’s no better way than to go to America and see how we get on there.”

The two sides have become renowned for their blockbuster clashes in recent years – most recently the 2024 Betfred Challenge Cup Final, and previously three Super League Grand Finals.

Now, they will take centre stage in Las Vegas where French and Williams will be two of the sport's stars on show.

They both agree that this fixture tops it all:

“For me personally, it’s the biggest game we’ve played against Warrington,” French said. “It’s a game of the 2025 Super League on such a big platform and we’re amongst two NRL games.

“You talk about Wigan and Warrington playing big games, but that’s just in England in front of packed-out crowds. Now, there’s going to be a packed-out crowd with people watching from everywhere - in England, America, Australia, New Zealand.

“It’s going to be massive.”

“As Karl Fitzpatrick said, it’s the biggest game in Super League history and I’ve got to agree,” insisted Williams. “It’s the first and it’s a very special trip. We’re big clubs, it’s massive for us.

“We both recently played in the Challenge Cup Final, we’ve got a good rivalry and hopefully we can showcase that again, entertain the American fans and show what two great teams we can be.

“For the fans I think it will be a week where they will really enjoy themselves – however long they go for.

“It’s got to be a show throughout the week – I think both clubs will put on different things for the fans, so get out there, support us and I’m sure you’ll love it.”

Rugby League Las Vegas Festival 2025 – Saturday March 1

• Betfred Super League – Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves (1:30pm PST / 9:30pm GMT)
• NRL – Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors (4:00pm PST / Midnight GMT)
• Test Match - Australian Jillaroos vs England Women (6:00pm PST / 2am GMT March 2)
• NRL – Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (8:30pm PST / 430am GMT March 2)

Find out more here!