SAM Burgess believes taking Warrington to Las Vegas can only boost rugby league on this side of the world.
And it was he who contacted NRL head Peter V’landys about them playing there.
SunSport understands the Wolves are lined up to take on Wigan in Sin City when the NRL launches its season there for the second year with a double header.
However, nothing formal has yet been decided.
Warrington boss Burgess, who fought hard as a player to represent England in Denver in 2018, can only see the positives of playing in Vegas and revealed his role.
Schools at risk of closing as teachers prepare to vote on joining strike chaos
He said: “Of course I’d go for it. Any chance we get to expand our brand as a club and showcase what we think we’ve got on the world stage, we’d be all over it.
“We’d love it. I’m good friends with Peter and reached out to him two or three months ago saying we’d love to be a part of it.
“I rang Peter but I think it would be a Wigan home game, so I think they’re in the driver’s seat. Nothing’s confirmed yet, though, but we’d love to be a part of it.
“We have a great product and in America they love sports, especially collision sports. We offer a bit of that. The NRL has invested heavily and is doing it right by taking a long-term approach.
“I understand it’s not going to be an overnight success but if this year was year one, it’ll be something special by year five.
“If we’re doing it, it’s got to be marketed properly. Get the players out there before it and get their faces on TV to make them more recognisable so they become more household names.
“For Super League, growing the profile of players and clubs – getting them in places they wouldn’t normally be seen – is a good idea.”
One source close to the talks said: “If it’s possible, it would be an opportunity but the how, and on what terms, are the key to making it a reality.”
Playing the World Club Challenge, which sees Super League’s champions take on the NRL premiers, is also thought to be on the list of talking points.
As is the prospect of the game Down Under, which has a huge broadcasting deal worth about £213 million a year – just over 10 times Super League’s, buying into the British game.
Guardiola picks side on BODY LANGUAGE as he tells Foden why he’s been on bench
Meanwhile, prop Joe Philbin looks set to miss the second leg of Warrington’s double header with Wigan, the Challenge Cup final.
And Burgess is fuming that England skipper George Williams has been banned for Saturday’s Super League clash for a late hit against Catalans.
“Joe will be out for a little bit,” he added. “It’s sad. I’m sad for him, we’re still figuring out how severe it is.
“He’s probably not going to make the final. He’ll take it in his stride, though.
“But with the George Williams call, all we ask for is consistency. He was absolutely smashed off the ball by Tariq Sims 10 minutes before that – he had no case to answer.
“It’s unbelievable. I disagree with it. If George gets suspended, so should Tariq. I just don’t understand it.”
