Canberra are still hopeful of finding a high-profile figure to do the honours after commissioning a new, American-made horn that cost in excess of $10,000 to make.
A Los Angeles-based firm was tasked with building a new 3.6-metre, 36-kilogram instrument for the occasion because it was too difficult to transport the one used at home games in the nation’s capital.
UFC boss Dana White.Credit: nnaadvidler
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll, who has a connection with several Canberra staffers, has been sounded out, as have some of his players. NFL legends Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski were also on the wishlist, while an invite has also been issued to NHL team Vegas Golden Knights. The Knights hosted the Raiders, Warriors and Panthers at a recent home game.
Richo no fan of Vegas ‘disaster’
There’s no shortage of clubs lining up to be the next to experience Las Vegas, but the Wests Tigers have no appetite to go.
The NRL plans to rotate all 17 clubs through Sin City over the course of its five-year commitment to staging games at Allegiant Stadium, but the Tigers are adamant they won’t be one of them.
Tigers officials have informed the players they won’t be participating. There’s a feeling that the bright lights of Vegas are the last thing the joint-venture outfit needs as it attempts to get off the bottom of the ladder.
It’s also a strong message to potential recruits; if you’re coming to the Tigers, don’t expect a trip to America.
In an interview with the Australian Financial Review last year, Tigers CEO Shane Richardson made it clear he was no fan of the Vegas venture.
“Las Vegas was a f—ing disaster, and it was a party trip for everybody,” Richardson said at the time. “I don’t want to go. At the end of the day, it’s about the business [of the club]. I’m all about rugby league and … those little Christmas cakes don’t make any difference to the game at all.”
Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson is no fan of the Las Vegas venture.Credit: Oscar Colman
Richardson’s stance hasn’t changed, and it leaves the NRL in an awkward spot. With the Tigers out of the reckoning, it means there will be one club that doesn’t go at all, while some others will get the chance to go twice during the NRL’s five-year Vegas agreement.
One more box for Cleary to tick off
Nathan Cleary has done it all. Five grand finals, four premierships and success with NSW and Australia.
Playing in Vegas is the only rugby league box he hasn’t ticked, and he can’t wait for it to happen.
Penrith’s Nathan Cleary and Cronulla’s Sione Katoa ahead of their Las Vegas showdown.Credit: NRL Photos
“It’s pretty incredible to even think that we’re playing a game there,” Cleary said.
“I never would have thought that I’d be playing an NRL game in Vegas, so just that alone is super exciting. I just think it’s amazing that we’re able to go there.”
Cleary said it was tough to miss the Kangaroos’ Pacific Championships triumph due to shoulder surgery, but the layoff left him feeling fresh for the season-opener against the Sharks.
“I was so pumped for the guys from our team, being able to do what they did,” he said of Penrith’s Australian representatives.
“Obviously [Isaah] Yeo was the captain and being able to lead them to a massive win and Lindsay [Smith] making his debut too in that final was awesome.
“I do get a bit of envy when I’m watching at home in a sling, but it’s awesome for them.”
A Vegas proposal
Xavier Savage has already had a memorable Vegas trip after proposing to partner Taliah Simbolon.
The Canberra flyer got down on bended knee in front of the iconic fountain outside the Bellagio hotel. Simbolon had no idea Savage was going to pop the question and the special moment was captured by a friend.
“Writing the next chapter in our love story,” Savage posted on Instagram.
Big Mal seeking Nuggets of information
Mal Meninga has used his time in America productively, spending time with the NBA’s Denver Nuggets as part of a study tour.
The Kangaroos coach, always looking for ways to improve the experience of his players, got to pick the brain of Nuggets coach Mike Malone on a game day. The meeting, set up by colleague Tristan Hay of THM media, provided valuable insights into how the NBA franchise optimises recovery during a gruelling 82-game regular season.
Kangaroos coach Mail Meninga with Denver Nuggets NBA coach Mike Malone.
“They play so much basketball, I thought I’d get some ideas around ensuring the players aren’t physically and mentally fatigued when we get them at the end of the year,” Meninga said.
“We’ve got some ideas about how we can prepare the team a lot better, how to freshen them up in camp. It gave me some ideas around travel, the way they look after their players is really good.”
Meninga will arrive in Vegas later in the week as an ambassador for the Raiders.
NRL delivers 2025 TV ad
Here’s the first look at the NRL’s new TV campaign. As rugby league prepares to launch Vegas 2.0, all 17 clubs have been featured in the advertisement.
The footage features big moments, big hits and big stars including Kalyn Ponga, Stephen Crichton and James Tedesco.
The Herald’s travel expenses to Las Vegas have been partly funded by the NRL.
