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Joel Gould

Dolphins keen for 2027 showdown with Eels in Las Vegas

The Dolphins, including fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, are hoping to get on the next plane to Vegas. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

The Dolphins are keen to play a Sydney-based club in Las Vegas next year and Parramatta looms as a logical and desirable option.

AAP has been told that Eels officials have spoken with the NRL and have been open about being a home team against a Queensland-based opponent.

The Dolphins have a high regard for Parramatta and also are of the opinion that such a clash would be good for both markets of rusted-on fans and for broadcasters.

Selwyn Cobbo.
The Dolphins say they've bided their time and are ready to run out in Las Vegas. (AAP PHOTOS)

The Dolphins and Gold Coast are both yet to play in the US and both have expressed their interest to the NRL about being part of the 2027 extravaganza. The Eels, Melbourne and Wests Tigers are the other three sides in the mix for four spots.

On Friday, both Dolphins CEO Terry Reader and Titans boss Steve Mitchell  spoke about Las Vegas at the launch of the derby clash between the two sides at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

"I know Parramatta (want) a home game and our club is ready to go," Reader said.

"We will be in our fifth season and we have a very big fan base and a lot of corporate support.

"I am sure for the TV market having a Sydney club play a Brisbane club is an important factor but we are just working through the process with the NRL and waiting to be told who is going. We are keen to go."

Reader was asked if an Eels versus Dolphins fixture would be the right fit for stakeholders.

"I'd assume so ... I do now that Parramatta are in a group of five clubs, including the Dolphins, on free to air TV more than any other clubs," Reader said.

"I think for TV that does work but we will see how it all pans out. The NRL have indicated they'd like to get that done sooner rather than later because flights open up 11 months out, so next month people will be able to book flights."

Dolphins fans.
Dolphins fans are keen to become the next Queensland team travelling to the US. (AAP PHOTOS)

Mitchell explained what the Titans' position was.

"We need to take an away game (to Las Vegas) because we bring a home game up to Magic Round and we don't want to take another home game away from our fan and membership base and our corporates and sponsors," he said.

"We don't have a preference for who we play. We just want to go."

Mitchell said there were also "larger things at play".

"We have a (football) program we have got to get consistent and we want to give our fan base something to be proud about," he said.

"We want to go to Vegas but we want to be at the right end of the table above going to Vegas.

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