The success of the NRL’s historic Las Vegas double-header could hinge on a meeting between the four clubs and ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys on Thursday.
As first reported by this masthead on Monday, the Brisbane Broncos, South Sydney, Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles have demanded a meeting with V’landys to resolve several issues, including visas.
The NRL’s financial contribution to the clubs’ training camps will also be discussed.
To make sure players are acclimatised to US conditions and ensure the March 2 double-header at Allegiant Stadium is of the highest quality, the four clubs will base themselves in Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas for more than a week before kick-off.
Sources with knowledge of the costs of the training camps, talking on the condition of anonymity because of the delicate nature of the subject, said the clubs would be out of pocket by about $400,000.
They will ask the NRL to cover some costs, but there is no guarantee the Vegas trip will be profitable for the clubs.
Aaron Woods, Campbell Graham, Spencer Leniu and Billy Walters in Las Vegas last month.Credit: Getty
A participation agreement, yet to be signed by the clubs, includes the NRL paying for the sides’ flights and accommodation, but not training camps.
South Sydney chief executive Blake Solly, speaking on behalf of the clubs, said: “Everyone is absolutely committed to making this event a success – Thursday is an important meeting.
“There are a number of issues we want to resolve with the NRL, including the costs involved with the training camps, travelling schedules, ticket sales and medical coverage of the players.
“We’re confident with Peter at the meeting, the issues will get resolved.”
Yeah, momma: Aaron Woods with an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas.Credit: Getty
Souths and Manly have been asked to split their players’ flights over two days, including a stopover in Fiji, but are yet to receive details.
For months the NRL has told clubs their players will travel to America on an ESTA, which waives the need for a visa.
The Broncos sought their own advice while the other clubs raised concerns about players being turned away by US customs. The visa issue was first raised on October 18.
The NRL informed clubs last Friday they had three options, each of them graded by how easy it would be to enter the US: an athletes’ visa (most conservative); a visitors’ visa (conservative); and an ESTA (least conservative).
It was also pointed out that players previously arrested in Australia – including big names like Payne Haas, Latrell Mitchell, Brandon Smith and Reece Walsh – could face challenges getting into the US.
Proper training venues in the days before games have become an issue, with Souths and the Roosters brokering a deal to use the grass pitch at the home of the Las Vegas Raiders. The Broncos are seeking similar access, while the Sea Eagles are tentatively booked to train at Heritage Park, which is for public use.
V’landys, who wants to use the double-header to tap into the US wagering market, appreciated the clubs’ concerns, but said on Monday: “I’m a 100 per cent confident all the matters will be resolved very quickly.”
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