Las Vegas tour diary: Sin City doesn't know what's hit it as NRL 'massively underestimate' fans

[josie andrews]

Day three of our Las Vegas tour diary


With each flight that lands at Harris Reid airport so the number of rugby league fans seems to multiply. A week that was officially launched on Wednesday with a great fanfare found a whole new level on Thursday as everyone was left in anticipation at what is still to come when we reach matchday.

A queue for the fan hub’s signing session with Warrington Wolves and Penrith Panthers snaked around the Resorts World hotel complex from 8am in the morning ahead of the 10am start, with mini games of rugby league breaking out across the complex, balls flying through the air and the type of fevered atmosphere that greats a cup final. There was a sense of queuing for cup final tickets about the whole occasion as a theme was set for the day. Teams came and went, the fans remained throughout and the atmosphere never dripped.

One organiser told us they had “massively under-appreciated how many fans would turn up.” It took everyone by surprise, but it’s been hailed as a huge success by the delighted organisers at the NRL, and so to those at Super League and the RFL who are delighted to see the part being played in all this by the English fans. And it is English fans.

Yes Warrington and Wigan fans dominate the travelling party as you would expect, but there’s been plenty of Hull FC, KR, Leeds Rhinos and so on shirts on show. Super League is being represented and the supporters are enhancing this event no end. It surely seems a case of not will Super League be asked back next year, but whether they ask for more than two teams such is the difference the teams and fans are making.

Pulling Sam Burgess to a side during the madness of the signing session he was interrupted by an Australian news channel who made a point of mentioning on air how surprised they were by the “vocal presence” of the English. That’s one way of putting it.

As for Sam, he was just glad to be here. “Now I'm here I've forgotten what happened earlier in the week,” explained Burgess.

“What a great morning, it's fantastic, there's a great energy around the place and I'm looking forward to a good week. It wasn't ideal but I'm here now it's all about getting the team and everyone else ready for the game on Saturday but also enjoy the whole week as well.”

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Burgess may have been correct in hailing the morning “great” but such descriptions are not fitting for what unfolded hours later at the Fremont Street Experience. I’m not exactly sure how best to describe it in a word. I think I’ll just go with Wow!

A part of the Las Vegas old town, this roofed pedestrian mall is one of the highlights of the city, but took on a new look as thousands of rugby league fans took over the area. You’re reading thousands and thinking maybe that’s an exaggeration, it’s not! The whole place was throbbing with rugby league fans.

With a red carpet setup to welcome the squad and staff of all eight teams, there was an awards ceremony or film premier look to the event, fitting given the upcoming Oscars taking place a short hop away in Los Angeles in a few days. This was no film premier crowd though, this was pure bred rugby league at its finest.

Each team had their opportunity to walk the red carpet and then take in the adulation on the stage, as songs played, fans cheered and everyone had a great time. It was an amazing end to another day of terrific build-up. At this rate there’s no way the games will be able to live up to the anticipation.

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[josie andrews]

'Why not a Hull derby' Matt Peet makes Las Vegas NRL call for good of Super League


Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet is eager to see the Las Vegas event grow

Wigan Warriors he’d coach Matt Peet says he’d love to bring his side back to Las Vegas next year but thinks for the good of the game two new clubs should get a chance, with the all-conquering coach floating the idea of a Hull derby in Sin City.

Peet will lead out the reigning Super League champions and quadruple-winners at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday night UK time as they meet Warrington Wolves as part of the NRL’s Rugby League Las Vegas event. The second year of a five-year deal between the NRL and Las Vegas, Super League will get a first chance to showcase their own wares as the opening game of a four-game schedule that also includes England women against the Jillaroos.

Such has been the success of the week so far in Las Vegas there is a growing belief the competition will be invited back next year or could even look to put on their own event. Peet has loved the opportunity the week has presented him and his players and would love to bring Wigan back next year and every year if possible, but admits for the good of growing the game a selfish approach is not needed and other clubs should be given a chance.

Personally you'd want be a part of this every year but it's probably be better for the game if it's two different Super League clubs, we have to have presence,” explained Peet.

“Everyone here will say if we're not here it's a missed opportunity. If it's Wigan I'd love to do it again, but I'm probably being selfish. I think the best thing for the game would probably be two different clubs.

“I think some clubs shouldn't shy away from it if they're not at the top end. Why not Leigh? I know Leigh are a top end club but why not Hull FC? Why not a Hull derby? Why not Leeds-St Helens? I don't know.

“I don't know the ins and outs and clubs situations but I think clubs should be aspiring to be a part of it. I don't think league standing is a part of it, it's more what you bring.”

There’s no denying a Hull derby would certainly bring out a large number of travelling fans and give the event a special unique flavour, but a game between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens, two of the game’s most successful clubs of the Super League era would also capture the attention.


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