Footy boss Peter V’landys reveals that he STOLE from the White House on a dare from Today co-host Karl Stefanovic: ‘Not getting that back’
- ARLC boss is in the US to promote the NRL
- Was invited to the White House
- Finished off with a cheeky keepsake
He may be on a diplomatic mission to bring the NRL to the United States, but that didn’t stop ARL Commission Chairman Peter V’landys from removing an item from the White House at the insistence of television personality Karl Stefanovic to take away.
V’landys is currently in the US trying to sell the NRL 2024 season-opening double-header at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
The Manly Sea Eagles will take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs, while the Sydney Roosters will take on the Broncos for league points.
As part of the charm offensive, V’landys was invited to the White House, where he met US President Joe Biden.
And he admits to stealing a small memento while visiting the First Family in Washington.
ARLC Chairman Peter V’Landys was challenged by Today co-host Karl Stefanovic to steal something from the White House
During a live cross-over to Channel Nine’s Today, V’landys revealed how he pushed through a challenge.
“I messaged Pete yesterday asking, ‘Can you steal something for me from the White House?’” co-host Karl Stefanovic said today.
‘And you too?’ added co-host Sarah Abo.
‘Yes, indeed I did; just a knife and fork,” V’landys joked.
The Today show co-hosts burst into hysterics, with Abo adding: “I’m not getting that back.”
V’landys is not the only Australian diplomat in the US at the moment; Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also visits America and meets the president.
President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conclude after speaking in the White House Rose Garden during a news conference in Washington
Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, will host an NRL double-header to kick off the 2024 season
“Our Prime Minister, who has been fantastic here, he has really been so impressive and a statesman,” V’landys added.
“I’ve been on every occasion and he was just on fire to promote Australia.
“He actually said, ‘To all the Australians in the room, please don’t take the cutlery,’ but I didn’t listen; I just took the knife and fork.”
V’landys is confident the NRL can break new ground in the United States, despite many failed attempts in the past to bring the sport to America.
“It has exceeded our expectations and its popularity, and going to Vegas has really been a winner for us,” V’landys said.
“We have 340 million potential customers in the US. If we get one percent of those customers, we will exceed our sales in Australia. That’s how big the market is here and we have a lot of confidence in our product.
“We think we have the best game for everyone and I think the Americans will love it.
“It’s a five-year plan and by going to their market, to Vegas, the sports capital of the world, and selling our game, I think we can get those subscriptions.”