Why NRL superstar Reece Walsh is no certainty to play in Las Vegas next month – after his previous run in with police where officers found him in possession of cocaine
- NRL stars need permission from a US official to travel
- Reece Walsh and Latrell Mitchell could be denied visas
- NRL double header is on March 3 AEDT in Las Vegas
NRL superstar Reece Walsh is nervously awaiting whether he will be granted a visa to enter the US ahead of the double header in Las Vegas on March 3, following his previous arrest on the Gold Coast.
Broncos Young Gun Walsh, 21, and 11 other NRL players have reportedly been summoned to appear at the US Embassy in Sydney for formal interviews.
The ‘Vegas Dozen’ sit down with a U.S. immigration official and discuss historical off-field offenses that have led to arrests or charges by police.
In September 2021, Walsh was charged with possession of cocaine after previously ignoring a police officer’s order to move on from a party venue in Surfers Paradise.
He later escaped conviction, was given a good behavior bond and fined $400.
NRL superstar Reece Walsh nervously awaits whether he will be granted a visa to enter the US ahead of the double header in Las Vegas on March 3
In September 2021, Walsh was charged with possession of cocaine after previously ignoring a police officer’s order to move on from a party spot in Surfers Paradise.
Rabbitohs duo Jack Wighton and Latrell Mitchell may also have to attend the US consulate in Sydney and give a statement as they were arrested in the ACT in February last year
The Broncos fullback is not taking any chances and is reportedly hiring his own visa expert, who will also go with him to the US embassy.
It is also understood that Rabbitoh’s duo Jack Wighton and Latrell Mitchell are part of the ‘Vegas Dozen.’
The distant cousins were arrested outside a Canberra nightclub in February last year, with charges dropped last November.
However, the couple may still have to go to the US consulate and provide an explanation as to why they were arrested.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys expects the dozens of NRL players to successfully obtain their visas.
“I don’t think there will be any problems,” he said.
“If you don’t have a criminal record, it takes five minutes, but if you’re charged and convicted, you have to go through an interrogation process.
“Precedents have taught us that (athletes involved in) such incidents get visas, so we have to go through the process.”
The start of the NRL season in Las Vegas on March 3 sees the Rabbitohs take on the Sea Eagles (1.30pm, AEDT) before the Broncos take on the Roosters (3.30pm, AEDT) at Allegiant Stadium.