Melbourne Storm surprised club was not invited to be part of NRL Las Vegas opener in 2026
Melbourne has described the NRL's decision to reject the Storm for next year's Las Vegas season launch as a "missed opportunity", saying the game is neglecting one of Australia's biggest sporting markets.
The NRL overlooked the perennial competition heavyweights, opting to capitalise on Canterbury's popularity by putting them on the plane to the US next year, alongside St George Illawarra, North Queensland and Newcastle.
Ahead of the 2025 fixture the Storm withdrew from the running, unhappy with the NRL's terms and conditions, but Storm boss Justin Rodski told AAP they were "keen" for 2026.
Melbourne have had back-to-back sell-outs already this season and have signed more than 31,000 club members, which is why Rodski was puzzled that the NRL didn't look to lure a new fan base to the showpiece event.
"We thought we had a proposal that was compelling, but unfortunately, for whatever reason, I think the NRL missed a big opportunity to not take the Storm," he said.
"It's an opportunity missed to showcase Melbourne, second largest city in the country; Victoria, the biggest growth market with the game flying; Origin here next year.
"By all metrics we're one of the powerhouse clubs in the competition, and to be not selected again is disappointing.
"In all sports, we'd be among the top-ranked clubs in the country when it comes to broadcast, commercial support, fan base and social media reach.
"If you think about all the factors, it's hard to understand how we weren't picked to go, but at the same time there's always layers of complexity that sit within decision-making for the NRL, so they've got to weigh that all up."
Rodski wasn't certain if they would consider applying for 2027, saying the club had a more pressing priority.
"Hopefully we win the comp and we'll be playing in the World Club Challenge in England instead," he said.
Making their maiden appearances in Vegas, Newcastle will meet North Queensland, before neighbouring rivals the Bulldogs and Dragons face off on March 1 (AEDT).
Hull KR will also play Leeds in the Super League match.
The 2024 grand finalists are one of five teams not to have played in Las Vegas since the overseas promotion started in 2024, along with the Dolphins, Gold Coast, Parramatta and West Tigers,
It's expected the Bulldogs' recent surge in popularity will help the NRL push for an increased crowd figure from the 45,209 of this season.
Canterbury hosted a record regular-season crowd when 65,603 turned up for this year's Good Friday match against South Sydney.
The Bulldogs have an average crowd this season of more than 35,000.
Adding to the NRL's hopes of an increased attendance is that they have been able to name the fixtures earlier, rather than in July last year and August the previous year.
AAP
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