The National Rugby League (NRL) is planning to expand its international footprint by staging premiership matches in Asia as part of its Global Round initiative, with Japan and Hong Kong identified as potential host locations for fixtures in 2028. This move aligns with the Australian Rugby League Commission’s broader strategy to grow the sport’s presence in the Asian market.
Among the clubs positioned to make history as part of this expansion are the Brisbane Broncos and the Sydney Roosters. Both teams were key participants in the NRL’s inaugural premiership matches held in Las Vegas in 2024, an event aimed at broadening the league’s global reach. The Broncos and Roosters may square off in Tokyo, marking the first premiership match played in Japan since 1996, when Arthur Beetson led the Roosters — then known colloquially as the Chooks — to an exhibition victory over Manly at Komazawa Olympic Stadium.
The Broncos have expressed openness to the prospect, although they emphasize the need to fully understand the practical and commercial implications of participating in overseas fixtures. Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy, who recently attended an NFL game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, said the club sees value in global engagement but is cautious about the logistical challenges and impact on players. Donaghy highlighted the lessons learned from the Broncos’ previous international outings, including the Las Vegas matches and their participation in the World Club Challenge in England.
Brisbane’s connections to Japan extend beyond rugby league, with senior executives maintaining relationships with their chief apparel supplier Asics, which is headquartered in Kobe. Donaghy noted that Japan’s status as the world’s fourth-largest economy presents significant opportunities for expanding both the Broncos’ and the NRL’s corporate and fan base.
The Roosters have also expressed interest in returning to Japan. Their history in the country dates back to the mid-1990s, during the Super League war period, when the team played an exhibition game there. Former Roosters football manager Brian Canavan recalled the experiences of that tour, including the cultural adjustment faced by Arthur Beetson, the coach at the time.
While the Broncos have entertained other international offers—such as a proposal from Qatar following their 2023 premiership victory—the club remains focused on ensuring that overseas games deliver tangible benefits on and off the field. Donaghy emphasized the importance of balancing strategic growth with player welfare and commercial viability.
The NRL’s approach reflects a broader trend in Australian rugby league to leverage established club brands in order to tap into new markets and audiences in Asia and beyond. The Global Round scheduled for 2028 is part of a long-term vision to elevate the sport’s international profile.