Cody Walker has been declared fit to play in South Sydney’s historic season-opening clash against Manly in Las Vegas.
Souths coach Jason Demetriou confirmed on Friday the playmaker had overcome the calf injury that ruled him out of the All Stars match last month.
“He’s a world-class player. Really happy that he was able to get the training done in San Diego,” Demetriou said.
“That was important for his prep, to be able to have a full week of training going into round one.
“It’s got him in a good headspace and the team will benefit from that for sure.”
NRL draws 5,000 to Vegas launch as crowd hopes soar
Peter V’landys is daring to dream of a crowd of up to 50,000 at Allegiant Stadium, after downtown Las Vegas was turned into a throng of rugby league fans for the official launch event.
As ticket sales went beyond 40,000 for the match on Thursday (Friday AEDT), 5000 fans converged in downtown Las Vegas to meet with players.
The crowds prompted Latrell Mitchell and other stars to compare the build-up to that of NRL grand final week, with the night far outranking any crowd for non-match-day events in Australia.
“It’s exceeded all expectations. You can have a strategy, but the strategy is only as good as the way it is implemented,” ARL Commission chairman V’landys told AAP.
“This is by far the biggest fan day we’ve ever had. Even with the grand finals, this beats them.
“And all credit to the NRL management and staff who have put all this together. It’s just been unbelievable.
“It’s very surreal. You can go on and on and on, but what warms me up the most is it’ll be bigger in year two, three, four or five.
“This is just the start and it’s setting a real benchmark. We just hope it continues at this pace.”
V’landys confirmed to AAP that more than 40,000 tickets had been sold, with the league hopeful the number could still grow.
“We might hit 45,000 or 50,000 hopefully, but it will depend on the walk-ups,” he said.
After early blemishes on Wednesday night that included the local announcer referring to the game as rugby, the NRL was given a shot in the arm by the crowd.
Las Vegas TV networks covered the night, while there was a smattering of Americans in attendance in the crowd.
“It’s round one, but it feels like a grand final at the moment,” Mitchell said, adding he wanted to turn Allegiant Stadium into “Trellegiant Stadium”.
Latrell Mitchell of the South Sydney Rabbitohs is tackled by Manly Sea Eagles defenders. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
“It’s a great turnout, we appreciate it. This is why we love the game.”
Mitchell was not alone in his summation.
Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds also compared the vibe to a grand-final week where Broncos players were treated as rock stars last year, as did Australian captain James Tedesco.
NRL fan events in grand final week usually attract closer to the 1000-person mark, and none has matched the atmosphere at Fremont Street on Thursday night.
Up to 15,000 Australians were expected to fly to Las Vegas for the match, with NRL jerseys regularly spotted on the famous Las Vegas strip in recent days.
Fans gather for the NRL season launch at Fremont Street Experience on February 29, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Nearly 3000 fans have also travelled from England, while others have come from Jamaica and France.
But it is whatever attention the game can get from locals that is likely to be most crucial.
“It’s definitely a unique experience,” Manly and Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans said.
“That’s what the NRL are trying to do, right? Bring this game to America. It’s great to see all of the Australians here.
“They’re obviously promoting it just as much as we are as players. If we can spark the interest of the Americans, that’s the job done.”
Phil Browne
Roar Rookie
Yea ok Andy! Just because you asked so nicely ???? I love RL fans
Phil Browne
Roar Rookie
Check out this bloke on the League Unlimited forum. He operates under Vlad59. If you want a giggle the Neanderthals on there are next level. For a RL forum all they do is attack every other football code. Vlad59 has stuck his head in again recently gets drunk and acts the same way he does on here
Phil Browne
Roar Rookie
Hahaha yea just League getting picked on again.. what is it with Rugby League people and playing the victim?
Full Credit to the Boys
Roar Rookie
Thank you. It seems this was quite a success then if raising awareness and creating a buzz was the objective.
KenW
Roar Rookie
The gambling angle has been overblown I think. Some of the sponsors picking up the tab are gambling sites, and they will have their own goals of course - and yes, the NRL gets a cut. But what it's really about is increasing their value to international broadcasting options, in the last negotiations conversations were had with 'new media' streamers - Amazon, Google, Apple, etc - they ultimately decided not to bid because they couldn't see enough value in the small numbers outside Australia. Promotions like Vegas, the opportunity to get on bigger channels, some sort of % increase on regular viewers (even small), are all great stories to tell next time they are across the table from these guys.
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
Oh sweetie - hurt feelings? :laughing:
Pneuma
Roar Rookie
Miserable bugger
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
If you enjoy lots of dropped ball…
Pneuma
Roar Rookie
No worries darling. Great game so far!
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
Careful sweetie, your insecurity is showing… :laughing:
Pneuma
Roar Rookie
Yet you keep responding? Can’t cop a bit of cajoling old boy?
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
And yet you keep coming back with childish responses… Like I said, I’m not the one who is “triggered”. *shrug*
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
I don’t think trying to break into the US market is a sensible goal. My guess is that it’s V’Landys trying to build up contacts in the US gambling industry that’s been the real driver for this exercise. Contacts which he’ll use more for his racing gig than League.
KenW
Roar Rookie
I can't think how they would have achieved that though Christo? Sure, it would be great if there were 40k Americans clamouring to get in for the first NRL game on US soil, but there isn't and I don't think there was any way to make that happen. 'Growing the game' requires patience and time, from any reasonable angle this has been a very successful first step.
Pneuma
Roar Rookie
That nobody can possibly answer but you keep asking? Hmmmmm
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
Hilarious watching how insecure you tragics are. Triggered by a simple question… :laughing:
Pneuma
Roar Rookie
Sure mate. Its fun watching you respond.
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
The comment where I said I’ll be enjoying watching the games. Seems you’re the one who is triggered… :laughing:
Pneuma
Roar Rookie
See above
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
I like watching league, so of course I will. Why wouldn’t I?