Warrington Wolves Halfback George Williams Excited for Historic Super League Match in Las Vegas
Warrington Wolves star George Williams has welcomed the announcement that his club will take on Wigan Warriors in a groundbreaking Super League fixture at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on March 1, 2025. Williams believes the event represents a positive step forward for the British game, providing an opportunity to showcase the sport to a wider international audience.
“It’s really exciting,” Williams commented. “I think that’s probably the main feeling I’ve got at the moment, I’m really excited obviously.” The England captain acknowledged that the long wait until the match will only heighten anticipation, stating: “We’ve got a fair wait but it’s something to look forward to. For us players, it’s probably an opportunity you never imagined you’d get.”
Williams, who had a brief but impressive spell with the Canberra Raiders in the NRL, has never been to Las Vegas but is eager to experience the city, having already booked his stag party there for November. However, he will be returning in an official capacity just a few months later, noting:
“Me and my mates are going for four days so it’ll be different, but I’m really looking forward to playing at the Allegiant. I’ll probably go and see the stadium whilst I’m out there and see what it’s about so I’m looking forward to it.”
The 27-year-old is confident that American sports fans will embrace rugby league, drawing comparisons to the NFL’s elite athleticism. “I think Americans love contact sport, don’t they? The NFL etc,” Williams stated. “I know our product works, if you watch it you enjoy it, so we just need to get more people watching it and we’ve got some great athletes, so hopefully we can showcase it.”
Williams believes the venture to the United States could strengthen ties between the RFL, NRL, and NFL, potentially leading to increased player movement and growth opportunities for both sports in the long run. “The NFL has so many great athletes and it’s similar with rugby league. You might see NFL clubs taking some of our players (over the years), we need to showcase that and get our athletes globally seen if that makes sense because we’ve got some great athletes. Let’s grow the game and it might help the NFL and rugby league in the long run.”
The historic Super League fixture in Las Vegas is part of a four-game extravaganza, which will also feature an NRL clash between the Canberra Raiders and New Zealand Warriors, as well as an international women’s Test match between Australia and England. The day will conclude with the NRL champion Penrith Panthers facing the Cronulla Sharks.
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