Hull FC have put their Vegas plans on hold – for now.
Rugby league is returning to Las Vegas this month.(Image: SW Pix)
“If it transpires that it is 100% the right thing for the club, both commercially and in terms of playing, then we’ll do it.” The words of Richie Myler when asked about Hull FC playing in Las Vegas next year.
Speaking to Hull Live back in February, Myler laid the club’s cards on the table. Their intention was very much to head stateside and compete in an event that is fast becoming one of the most eye catching on the rugby league calendar. But there was a catch: it had to be in the club’s best interests, and for the right reasons.
Ultimately, the club, after weighing up those interests over the last several months, have taken the decision to put Vegas on hold. They believe it’s the right thing to do with performance prioritised, but as Tony Sutton told Hull Live, that doesn’t mean that their involvement won’t be considered for future events. Far from it.
Hull are very much open to Vegas 2028, and indeed what other events the NRL have in mind to put the game on the biggest stage. It just has to be the right fit and the right time for the Black and Whites as a club and as a squad. That is key.
It might not be popular call, and it won’t sit well with everyone, but right now, the club believe dropping out of Las Vegas makes sense. The facts back that up. Hull have had an underwhelming season to date and they have bigger things to worry about next year than a trip to the USA. Again, they have cited performance as a key reasoning for their decision, and they have to get performance right – and that goes far beyond a few results at the start of next year.
Incoming head coach Steve McNamara needs to be given the best possible chance to hit the ground running with a solid pre-season and then start to the 2027 Super League campaign. That is the priority, and it has to be. The Hull-born coach is going to be under pressure to deliver from the get-go, and the decision has been made with that at heart. The logic is clear to see.
Hull’s priority right now needs to be putting the plans in place to get their squad fit, robust, in shape, and ready to go in 2027. They can’t afford any distractions, and in all honesty, Vegas right now is a distraction.
The club will be better suited channelling their energy into pre-season preparation, staff, facilities, resources, and perhaps an overseas pre-season camp – and most importantly, giving McNamara the right tools to make a genuine fist of 2027.
That is their biggest priority. And then when talks for the 2028 event come around, perhaps the club can enter the Vegas conversation once again.