NRL bad boys given the green light for Vegas season opener after having to prove to US Government they were fit to hold a visa
- Strict US border control measures are in place
- Past indiscretions meant they had to explain
- All Historical Clash players have now been cleared
NRL fans will get to see the full star lineup in Vegas for the historic season opener in the United States, with the final players receiving their visas to travel for their respective clashes.
A number of players sweated being allowed into the United States due to past indiscretions, with Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh and Sydney Roosters star Brandon Smith the latest players to receive clearance on Friday.
Walsh was given a good behavior bond and fined $400 after pleading guilty in 2022 to possession of cocaine and breaching police directions.
Smith’s case was perhaps the most curious, as he had to explain to the United States government an incident that occurred ten years ago when he was playing under-20s for the North Queensland Cowboys.
Both had their visas forwarded to the US government, but were granted them early Friday morning.
Walsh posed for photos with teammate Adam Reynolds after flying to Sydney to get his visa approved for the first round NRL clash against the Roosters in Vegas
Roosters star Brandon Smith was all smiles after completing the paperwork for his trip to Vegas
It is a relief for both the Brisbane Broncos and Sydney Roosters, but also for NRL boss Peter V’landys, who has made no secret of his desire to use Walsh to sell the game to American football fans.
“He’s got charisma and charisma, Reece Walsh,” V’landys told Nine’s Today ahead of the 2023 NRL grand final.
‘He’s the Justin Bieber of rugby league. They look like brothers.”
Meanwhile, it was also good news for South Sydney teammates, friends and family members Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton, who were also granted visas this week.
They were ordered to give evidence as they were charged with fighting in public places, affray and obstructing/resisting territory officials after allegedly arguing on a Canberra street following a night of drinking for Wighton’s 30th birthday.
The charges were later dropped.
Charges against Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton were dropped last year so they could secure their Vegas visas
Mitchell has even launched his own line of T-shirts to celebrate the historic NRL clashes in Las Vegas
Mitchell wasted no time in showing his joy at getting a visa, releasing a limited-edition clothing run that read “Trellmit Vegas Takeover.”
“I’m happy, mate,” Mitchell said.
‘Things happened pretty quickly there. We’re approved and ready to go. I can’t wait for Vegas.
“Vegas is great and I get to play with fresh eyes, so let’s go.”
Souths back rower Michael Chee Kam and assistant coach John Sutton were also cleared to fly to Vegas.
One of the more curious visa cases involved Manly Sea Eagles recruit Luke Brooks, whose past indiscretion had escaped public scrutiny due to a 2017 incident.
‘It’s okay. Just arrange my visa. It’s up to the people in charge, so we’ll see what happens,” Brooks told reporters after his interview with U.S. officials.