A number of NRL stars are likely to be granted visas and given the all clear to travel to Las Vegas for the historic double header to kick off the new season.
There were concerns raised by clubs a few weeks ago that the off-field history of some players could cause trouble in gaining access to the USA,
South Sydney guns Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton both faced court after being arrested for fighting in public and obstructing police in 2023.
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Broncos star Reece Walsh pleaded guilty to cocaine possession on the Gold Coast in 2021 with Brisbane teammate Payne Haas arrested that same year after an incident with police.
All incidents required each player to explain their application to US immigration officials, but but ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys believes there will be no issue.
“I don’t think there will be any problem,” V’landys told The Courier Mail.
“Some of the misdemeanours are not major, so hopefully there won’t be a problem and all the players from the four clubs will be available to play in Vegas.
“If you haven’t got any criminal record, it’s a five-minute process, but if you have been charged and been convicted, you have to go through an interview process.
“Precedents have shown us that (athletes involved in) such incidents are provided with visas, so we have to go through the process.
“We don’t believe there will be any concerns for us with any of the players.”
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Souths and Manly will open the season at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium followed by the Broncos taking on the Roosters.
While not as forthcoming as V’landys, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo is reasonably confident the stars from those teams will be able to travel.
“We’re working well with clubs to get all the applications for players and officials submitted and resolved as soon as possible,” Abdo said.
“We will deal with any issues on a case-by-case basis.
“I am positive that we will get the necessary visa clearance that we need and we are working with the clubs to make sure that happens.”
As well as the visa queries, the four clubs involved also had concerns about the organisation of the event surrounding details like training venues.
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Abdo said there have been challenges, but with the historic double header a month away, he says the NRL are foing everything in their power to “facilitate the best possible experience for clubs”.
“The first time you do anything there will be challenges, but we are working through them,” Abdo said.
“We have fields booked and we are working on the details with each club. The clubs will absolutely be able to train in Vegas.
“We also have access to the UFC high-performance centre and separate access to turf fields.”
