Revealed: Why the Melbourne Storm have turned down a golden opportunity other NRL teams would die for

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The Storm has officially pulled out of the race for a spot in Las Vegas next year despite being considered one of the favourites to open the 2025 season in America.

The NRL made history earlier this year with a highly successful double-header at Allegiant Stadium featuring the Rabbitohs, Sea Eagles, Broncos and Roosters as part of a long-term commitment to play games in the region.

It's still unclear which clubs will be chosen to play there next year, with the Panthers, Raiders, Sharks and Warriors mentioned as teams leading the race to play in Vegas, with the NRL expected to make a decision soon to give fans enough time to start planning their trips.

This season's matches in the States gave the code a big leg-up over the AFL and were so well received that clubs are very keen to get in on the action in 2025. 

The Melbourne Storm (star Nick Meaney is pictured in action last Saturday) were keen to play in next year's Las Vegas match but changed their mind in a statement released on Friday 

What we do know is that the Storm won't be there after the club announced on Friday that it had reconsidered its options based on new information that had come to light.

'Storm had expressed interest in being involved in the 2025 fixture but having reviewed the proposed terms and conditions provided by the NRL and considered all other factors, the club has instead decided to focus on its preparation closer to home,' the statement read.

The Storm remains open to playing there in the future but will focus for now on Fiji having played a trial game against the Knights there a few months ago.

'We are always looking at new ways to help grow our club and the game more broadly,' Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said.

The Sin City double-header that opened the season was a roaring success and clubs - with the exception of the Storm - are very keen to get in on the action in 2025 (pictured, Brisbane's Reece Walsh playing against the Roosters in Las Vegas) 

'While we are supportive of the NRL's vision for growth and expansion internationally, the time is not right for Storm to head to Vegas in 2025.

'Having played two trial matches away from Victoria in 2024, including the groundbreaking trial match in Fiji, the club will concentrate efforts on its local members, fans and participants.

'We are more than happy to discuss future opportunities with the NRL, whether that is in Vegas, Fiji or other markets where there is opportunity for the game to grow and for the Storm to be involved.'