American footy fans slam the NRL for making an ‘absolutely ludicrous’ mistake on trip to promote games in Las Vegas: ‘They didn’t do their homework’
- NRL double header in the US kicks off the 2024 season
- League has been busy promoting the games in the United States
- Made one crucial mistake that was rejected by the local competition organization
NRL officials had the best intentions but were left with egg on their faces after sending a Sydney Roosters star to a rugby club to promote the game in the United States.
The NRL is currently on a charm offensive in the US in a bid to boost attention and ticket sales for next year's history-making season opener in Las Vegas.
Manly will take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs, while old foes Brisbane Broncos and Sydney Roosters will also clash in the double header at Allegiant Stadium.
During the NRL off-season, the Code has sent stars Aaron Woods, Campbell Graham, Spencer Leniu and Billy Walters to the United States to promote the season-opening clashes.
That included everything from television appearances to trying to drum up support at NFL games and also trying to reach the hearts and minds of the youngest players.
Sydney Roosters signing Spencer Leniu was sent to a rugby club instead of a rugby league club during the NRL's trip to the United States
The Utah Rugby League Association was furious that the NRL could not get the club right
Male player Aaron Woods and Souths star Campbell Graham dress in Las Vegas Raiders supporter gear during their trip to the US
So the NRL sent Leniu to a high school in Utah, America's most rugby league-crazy state, to conduct a clinic with young people.
The problem? The high school was home to the Brighton Bengals rugby club, which gave the rival code a free pass and left the Utah Rugby League Association (URLA) fuming.
“As pioneers of rugby league here in Utah, we are very disappointed that the NRL has missed the huge opportunity to connect and grow the sport here in Utah,” George Tupou of the URLA told the Sydney Morning Herald.
'We are happy that they came to encourage the children by holding a clinic, but that was for a rugby club.
'As an entity that has expressed interest in 13 teams for the upcoming Vegas Nines tournament, more than any state in the entire country, and has junior teams named after the NRL teams these particular players come from, it is absolutely ridiculous that they have 'not done their homework to realize that they should have had a clinic with the right sport to promote growth there.'
Billy Walters, Aaron Woods, former UFC fighter Forrest Griffin, Campbell Graham and Spencer Leniu at Allegient Stadium in Las Vegas
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo believes the code could have a significant impact in the United States
The kids didn't seem to mind and were happy to crash into a tackle pad held by Leniu, who was seriously impressed by their strength and enthusiasm.
And despite the hiccups, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo remains optimistic about the code's chances of success in the United States invasion.
“Unapologetically, we want our sport to be the Australian sport showcased in Las Vegas and going nationally across the country,” Abdo said.
“We believe in our product, we believe in our game, and this is a huge market. This isn't about winning fans from other sports. It's about watching a new sport.'