Match 2025 NRL Round 1 - Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks vs Penrith Panthers, 8:30pm Saturday 1-Mar-2025 @ Allegiant Stadium Las Vegas (3:30pm Sunday Sydney)

[SF]

Telegraph is saying the game will kick off 8:30pm Saturday night Las Vegas time (Pacific time). Which is 3:30pm Sunday Sydney time.

Edit: NRL confirms the 8:30pm timeslot: https://www.nrl.com/news/2024/11/17/2025-draw-debrief-round-1-goes-off-with-a-bang/

We (well the Panthers) have the top billing at least.

 

[BlackWhiteBlue]

We should be trying to partner up with the San Jose Sharks to do some sorta promo.

 

[SF]

 

[Sharkfox]

We should be trying to partner up with the San Jose Sharks to do some sorta promo.

Fun fact, San Jose Sharks have never won a championship. The last stanley cup final appearance was in 2016 and they lost to Pittsburg Penguins who joined comp in 1967.

 

[BlackWhiteBlue]

Fun fact, San Jose Sharks have never won a championship. The last stanley cup final appearance was in 2016 and they lost to Pittsburg Penguins who joined comp in 1967.

Yep. 2016 was a year of drought breakers and maiden championships in many sports, San Jose was definitely a missed opportunity

 

[Vichyssoise]

I realise it's just a brainstorming idea, but the mighty San Jose Sharks are currently last of their division and at the bottom of their Conference (and just lost to the Penguins, what a coincidence!). I know the NHL season is long, and they might turn theirs around (just like I might win the Powerball if I played), but they're currently lost at sea. I get the appeal of the nickname, but couldn't we associate ourselves with a winning team instead?

 

[Mr Ryan]

With the Warriors involved in Vegas, Us or Penrith will be playing them in Round 2.

So either a flight to NZ for us or Penrith, or the Warriors flying to Australia.

So not ideal for who ends up with a 2nd international trip on the back of a flight to the US.

 

[HaroldBishop]

With the Warriors involved in Vegas, Us or Penrith will be playing them in Round 2.

So either a flight to NZ for us or Penrith, or the Warriors flying to Australia.

So not ideal for who ends up with a 2nd international trip on the back of a flight to the US.

All teams will have the next weekend off but I agree, it's not ideal.

I can see teams not wanting to play in this fixture pretty soon, there's no real benefit. Hoards of yanks aren't going to start following NRL.

 

[Tiger Shark]

With the Warriors involved in Vegas, Us or Penrith will be playing them in Round 2.

So either a flight to NZ for us or Penrith, or the Warriors flying to Australia.

So not ideal for who ends up with a 2nd international trip on the back of a flight to the US.

sorry why are we assuming we're playing those teams in Rd 2 ?

Has the NRL stated as much ?

 

[SF]

sorry why are we assuming we're playing those teams in Rd 2 ?

Has the NRL stated as much ?

I think just assuming based on Rd 2 this year, which had Broncos-Rabbits and Roosters-Manly. Rd 3 had Roosters-Rabbits, but Manly and Brisbane played other teams.

 

[SF]

All teams will have the next weekend off but I agree, it's not ideal.

I can see teams not wanting to play in this fixture pretty soon, there's no real benefit. Hoards of yanks aren't going to start following NRL.

Yeah it's a tough start to the year. Probably the main benefit now is just a recruitment/retention incentive for the players.

 

[HaroldBishop]

Yeah it's a tough start to the year. Probably the main benefit now is just a recruitment/retention incentive for the players.

Do you think it is though? I doubt it has any impact at all tbh.

 

[Proud Shark]

It's not a bad opportunity for a player camp etc to start the year. Could fly straight from Vegas to NZ, bunker down away from distractions and have that 3 or so weeks total to galvanise and start the year well. Might not be practical from a player perspective though.

 

[MrDravid]

With the Warriors involved in Vegas, Us or Penrith will be playing them in Round 2.

So either a flight to NZ for us or Penrith, or the Warriors flying to Australia.

So not ideal for who ends up with a 2nd international trip on the back of a flight to the US.

Yeah that's assuming they do what they did last year, which IMO makes sense. Even with a week off, backing up from an overseas trip is tough.

Penrith are the home team in round 1 so it would make sense for them to get an away game in round 2... and we seem to cop an early game against the Raiders most years.

 

[SF]

Do you think it is though? I doubt it has any impact at all tbh.

I’m probably thinking more about the overall team bonding/culture that results from it, and being able to keep the group together.

I think some players would definitely consider a club that may go to Vegas over a club that never goes.

But it may also help like in an Oregon Kaufusi one year deal, we can probably pay him $10,000 less than we otherwise would need to.

But I may be overstating it!

 

[SF]

 

[Gards]

Season over lads, see ya's in 2026

 

[Gards]

I might have to start a Go Fund me.

I heard that sharks2010 started a Go **** Yourself account and has been inundated with enquiries

 

[Western Sharkie]

@SF

you running Perth tours now SF?

Just got your email…..
“Sharks Forever: Perth Tickets Now Available in Pre-Sale”.