- Hugh Jackman is interested in helping NRL venture
- Russell Crowe has reportedly already met with NRL
- NRL double header in Sin City on March 3
Hugh Jackman is said to be 'really keen to be involved' in promoting the NRL's historic double-header in Las Vegas next March.
Manly will face Souths before Brisbane take on the Roosters in Sin City in a game-changing start to next year's draw.
It will be difficult to break into the crowded US sports market, and Russell Crowe is reportedly already doing everything he can to support the NRL's mission.
On Sunday, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Crowe – the co-owner of Souths – recently met face-to-face with NRL managers about the issue.
Another source also backed the claim that the Hollywood megastar played a “major role” in the NRL's landmark move.
Jackman is 'very keen to be involved' in promoting the NRL's historic double-header
Russell Crowe is playing a key role in the NRL's bid to sell rugby league to the US
Unfortunately, it proved more difficult for the NRL to retain lifelong Manly fan Hugh Jackman, who could not confirm whether he would also be open to promoting the games.
However, Manly CEO Tony Mestrov has revealed that he has been in contact with Jackman and he is confident the Wolverine star will be involved in the exciting venture.
“I contacted Hugh via email and there was some correspondence back and forth,” Mestrov said Yahoo Sports Australia.
'I have officially invited him as a guest to our match and he has indicated that he will be there. He is keen to be involved and thinks the Vegas venture is a great idea for the club and the game as a whole.
'He's obviously very busy so I don't know any details at the moment, but I'm sure he'll help with promotions where he can.
“It will be huge if Hugh and Russell Crowe are involved. I just got back from the States and everyone knows who those two guys are.”
In a major coup for the NRL, the double header will be shown in prime time in the US on the Fox network in March.
It represents an invaluable opportunity for the sport to attract new fans, and will also be the first time NRL matches will be held outside Australia or New Zealand.
Tragic man Jackman has been in contact with the club for help
Four teams will travel to the US in March for the historic Las Vegas double header
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, nearly 15,000 tickets have been sold for the double-header in Las Vegas.
Footy supremo Peter V'Landys also recently confirmed that the NRL is committed to playing annual matches in Sin City until at least 2028, if not beyond.
A primary goal is to tap into the lucrative U.S. gambling market, which could bring the code millions of dollars in revenue.
“We have set ourselves five years and if the results are not there in five years we will reassess, but I know we have the best game in the world,” V'Landys said.
'There's no game like rugby league. It has everything.'
In August 1987, a State of Origin match was staged in Long Beach, California, as rugby league looked to be going global.
NSW defeated Queensland 30-18, in front of an estimated 12,000-plus fans.