'Want to play on the biggest stage': Incoming Dragons boss reveals 'absolute desire' to feature in Las Vegas
Incoming chief executive Tim Watsford has confirmed that St George Illawarra have an "absolute desire" to feature as part of the Las Vegas season opener in 2026.
According to reports from The Sydney Morning Herald earlier this week, the Dragons were touted as one of the four NRL clubs potentially heading to the USA next year.
A potential clash with old rivals Canterbury is the rumoured match at this stage.
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Dragons and Bulldogs fans are some of the most passionate in the NRL. Getty
Watsford - who was announced as the joint venture's new boss this week - won't start in an official capacity until June, but is already confident of securing a spot in Vegas.
"I think you want to play on the biggest stage," he told SEN Radio.
"It's been noted publicly the desire for the Dragons to be over there. Although not formally in the seat, I will note discussions have already started from a board level.
"There's absolute desire and the Dragons deserve to be on the biggest stage. That's my job, to make sure they play in the biggest games and be on show to the world and what better way to push the mighty Red V brand into new markets.
"It's on the agenda item … I'm looking forward to having those discussions with Andrew [Abdo] and the team at head office when I get the seat later on."
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Watsford previously worked at the NRL and paid "full credit" to both Abdo and Peter V'landys for taking the Vegas idea and "getting off the ground" in the past two years.
The former Supercars boss will enter the hot seat later this year at a club desperate for success and is hopeful of playing a role in the Dragons returning to the top.
Dragons players during the NRL pre-season. Getty
"I've been passionate about rugby league, right the way through from as a child to working with Andrew and the team at head office," Watsford said.
"I think with great responsibility comes great success and this is an opportunity for me to grab with both hands and take arguably the biggest brand in league to the next level.
"Big job, big club, big brand and plenty of expectations with a lot of passionate fans and people. I can't wait to get in, have a decent crack and drive some success."
St George Illawarra will kick off their campaign against the Bulldogs on March 8.
