NRL 2024: Las Vegas, Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors, Sam Burgess, Allegiant Stadium, Super League;

Almost 4000 Las Vegas tickets have been sold to Wigan and Warrington fans in just three days and the NBA’s LA Lakers have expressed their desire to help promote the event, according to Wolves chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick.

The news comes as the glamorous Super League clubs held their first dress rehearsal for the event on March 1, with Sam Burgess’ men producing a stunning performance to run out 40-4 winners.

The win ended the world champions Warriors’ 17-game winning streak at home and catapulted Warrington to the top of the Super League ladder.

British fans have a long history of following their sports teams abroad, but the Vegas takeover stunned officials. Wigan fans report that only single tickets remain.

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“We’re absolutely flying – as of this morning UK ticket sales are heading towards 4000 which is incredible considering they went on sale on Wednesday morning,” Fitzpatrick told NRL.com.

“I think there are 2,000 who went this year. I’ve almost doubled already.

“With a long onboarding time, it will give supporters time to save up or use a payment plan to get there.”

While NRL teams may spend two weeks in the US acclimatising before heading to Allegiant Stadium, for Wigan and Warrington the 2025 Super League season will have already started – and one of them may have to play in the World Club Challenge the previous weekend.

But a star or two from Warrington could also head to the Staples Center in Los Angeles on a scouting mission at the end of the current season, Fitzpatrick revealed.

“I went on a call with the LA Lakers last week to work with them,” Fitzpatrick said.

“I have a great relationship with the commercial director there. Their schedule comes out in August, so we’ll have a better idea of ​​what we can do when the schedule is announced.

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“If the stars align, we’ll be looking to do something at the end of the season in October or November. We will welcome some of our players or a player to one of their home games.

“I think they’re going to do something regardless. They are very keen to support her in one way or another.”

Warrington have confirmed ahead of kick-off on Friday night the signing of England and Great Britain international John Bateman from Wests Tigers for the rest of the season.

Fitzpatrick wouldn’t mind if Vegas could be the carrot to keep Bateman out this year.

“Look, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” he said. “Right now, it’s only until the end of the year. There was no talk or anything about 2025.

“He was contracted to Wests. If this is an opportunity that arises, we will look at it at that time.”

Meanwhile, a point of contention between Burgess and his rival Wigan coach Matty Peet was highlighted on TV coverage of the match when footage was shown of the former South Sydney star remonstrating with his rival at full-time in the Cup final This year’s challenge between the clubs.

Sky Sports reported that Burgess was shadowed by the way Peet spoke to Warrington and former Wigan player Sam Powell earlier in the day.

Peet was reportedly unhappy with Powell’s account in newspaper articles of his departure from the Warriors.

Sky showed footage from Wembley on 8 June and reported that Burgess had warned Peet not to speak to any of his players, before the broadcaster asked Burgess live about the exchange.

“We’re both pretty competitive guys and emotions were high, I’d say, there,” Burgess said.

“I don’t know exactly what you showed or what was seen, but we talked earlier (tonight) and everything was fine, so after a busy day, let’s give it up to two competitive guys.”

Discussing the signing of Bateman, Burgess said: “We had an opportunity where we thought he would add to our squad.

“Many of our players also knew John personally. I worked with him as a player and he is a very great competitor. It’s not about where (he plays), it’s about the person.”