Hugh Jackman has returned to New York and will not see his Manly Sea Eagles play in their historic season-opening double-header in Las Vegas.
The Wolverine star, 55, is said to be one of the biggest names in the VIP booth at Allegiant Stadium to support the NRL’s latest foray into the US market.
But ‘unforeseen circumstances’ have forced the Hollywood star to fly back home and miss the highly anticipated match, it was reported The Daily Telegraph on Sunday.
The actor was reportedly spotted in Las Vegas on Saturday (AEDT) but quickly flew back to New York before he could watch Manly take on Souths and Brisbane battle the Roosters.
His close friend and Australian sports commentator Gus Worland said the actor was “gutted to leave”.
Hugh Jackman, 55, has returned to New York and will not see his Manly Sea Eagles play in their historic season-opening double-header in Las Vegas. Pictured in support of Manly against the Roosters in 2015
“He made the effort to come here, but due to unforeseen circumstances he had to go back,” Gus explained.
‘He was really disappointed. He was looking forward to wearing his Manly jersey to the game.”
South Sydney Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe has also denied his participation in the Las Vegas event due to filming commitments in Europe.
The Wolverine star was set to be one of the biggest names in the VIP booth at Allegiant Stadium to support the NRL’s latest foray into the US market
However, he has lent his voice to the NRL’s official advertising campaign in the US by doing a voiceover for a TV commercial.
Hugh’s absence from the historic match comes as a shock after it was reported in December that he was ‘really keen to be involved’ with the promotion this year.
Manly CEO Tony Mestrov revealed last year that he had been in contact with Hugh and was confident the Australian actor would be involved in the exciting venture.
But “unforeseen circumstances” have forced the Hollywood star to fly back home and miss the highly anticipated match, The Daily Telegraph reported on Sunday. Pictured with Manly Warringah Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler in 2011
“I reached out to Hugh via email and there was some correspondence back and forth,” Tony 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 very keen to be involved and thinks the Vegas venture is a great idea for the club and the game as a whole.”
In a major coup for the NRL, the double header will be shown in prime time in the US on the Fox network.
It provides 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.