Why NRL stars James Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans could finish their footy careers in the US – ‘easy transition for me’
- NRL veterans could be the face of the future American professional league
- At 35, Manly’s Daly Cherry-Evans is in the twilight of his career
- Roosters fullback James Tedesco is a fan of the lifestyle on offer
- Las Vegas will host the historic NRL double header on Sunday AEDT
NRL stars James Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans have both stated they are open to ending their careers in the US, provided a professional league is established.
Sea Eagles owner Scott Penn is among a number of business owners keen to set up a US professional league – and he wants to include ‘DCE’ – who made his debut at Manly in 2011, where he won a premiership.
The experienced halfback is speaking in Las Vegas ahead of this Sunday’s NRL double header AEDT with Cherry-Evans’ Sea Eagles, Tedesco’s Roosters plus the Broncos and Rabbitohs and is open to offers.
“If Scott wants to get it going, I’m happy to do it,” the 35-year-old said. “Obviously I don’t have much time left in my rugby league career.
‘I’m very open-minded about contract matters and where my career could end up.
NRL stars James Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans (pictured) have both stated they are open to ending their respective careers in the US – provided a professional league is established
Tedesco said the lifestyle on offer in the US makes it an attractive prospect as his NRL career comes to an end
“So we’ll see how it goes. But it’s nice to see that the owner of our club is pushing for an American opportunity. And that is an easy transition for me.’
Although, at 31, Tedesco still has a few more years in store for him than the decorated Sea Eagles skipper, the Roosters leader said the lifestyle on offer in America makes it an attractive prospect.
‘Sure, I’m interested. It would be a really cool experience,” Tedesco said.
“That’s the hope, bringing the game here. You never know, it could generate interest from all over America.
‘So to be able to live in America and play rugby league… I mean, obviously England is cool too. But yes, the weather is nice here.’
Meanwhile, ticket sales for the NRL double header from 1.30pm AEDT have surpassed the 40,000 mark as fan anticipation grows.
With advertising and marketing ramping up in the gambling mecca, the NRL is hoping to attract at least 50,000 fans to the venue that recently hosted the Super Bowl.
Both football matches will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1 in prime time on Saturday evening, with the potential for more than 100 million viewers in the US.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys is also willing to play the long game as the NRL has agreed a five-year deal to stage matches in Las Vegas.
The footy supremo is also confident that ‘once Americans understand the rules, they will embrace and enjoy the greatest game of them all.’