Tai set to continue world tour in Vegas with Wolves

Friday, 6 December 2024, 1:30 pm

Kumul centre Roderick Tai spending time with fans after PNG lost to New Zealand in the Pacific Championship playoff last month at CommBank Stadium (Image: NRL)

Warrington Wolves center Rodrick Tai is hoping his end-of-season form with PNG Kumuls will see him make his way onto the plane to Las Vegas to experience a slice of history.

Following last season's stunning season opening at Allegiant Stadium, the NRL is returning to the USA in 2025 with Super League heavyweights Warrington and Wigan joining the showcase of rugby league in a first for the game.

“I heard that there's going to be a game between us and Wigan, so hopefully I get a good pre-season and can go,” Tai told NRL.com.

For Tai, who moved to the UK in 2024 to play with Warrington after impressing in Queensland’s Hostplus Cup with the PNG Hunters, the experience would be a bonus after a strong international campaign where he helped the Kumuls claim back-to-back Pacific Bowl titles.

This year, the Pacific Championships competition expanded to incorporate a promotion-relegation game with the winner of the Bowl facing off against the lowest-placed team in the Pacific Cup, with PNG’s performances giving them the chance to play Tier One nation New Zealand in the play-off final.

While New Zealand proved too strong in their 54-12 victory at CommBank Stadium, the Kumuls gained valuable experience, with coach Jason Demetriou saying throughout the tournament he wanted the PNG national side to move up the international rankings.

“It was a massive opportunity, and we wanted to play that game and hopefully put in a better performance, but it was a good learning for us and what to expect,” Tai said.

“It's our goal to be in the top four [in the world] and now we've experienced what it's like to be there, it’s a good learning for us and all the boys hopefully be better next year.

PNG International Roderick Tai celebrating teammates from Warrington Wolves (Image: York Shire)

The two English clubs will be joined in Las Vegas by England women, who will play against the world champion Jillaroos team, rounding out four massive games on March 1.

The event will also see Canberra Raiders facing off against the Warriors and the Penrith Panthers taking on Cronulla to start the NRL season.




Pic 3: Roderick Tai in action for Kumuls during training session (Image: Kumuls Media)