Bradford star Jayden Nikorima expressed enthusiasm about his team’s upcoming participation in rugby league’s high-profile event in Las Vegas in 2027. The Bulls secured a place in the National Rugby League’s United States showcase, a development that Nikorima said carries personal significance given his strong ties to the city.

Nikorima, who was born in New Zealand, married in Las Vegas in 2023 and described the opportunity to return there as particularly meaningful. “Vegas holds a special place in my heart. I got married there in 2023, so it’ll be good to go back,” he said. “I never imagined playing in Vegas. For it to come to life and be next year, I’m super pumped.”

Initially, Hull FC and St Helens had been considered frontrunners to participate in the American event. However, the selection ultimately saw Bradford Bulls and Leigh representing the Super League in what promises to be a landmark occasion for rugby league’s expansion efforts in the United States.

The Las Vegas showcase is part of the NRL’s broader strategy to grow the sport’s profile internationally, leveraging the city’s global appeal to attract new audiences and create a compelling spectacle. For players like Nikorima, who combine professional ambitions with personal connections to the venue, the event represents both a career milestone and a unique experience.