By AFP – Agence France Presse March 3, 2024 Order Reprints Print Article Reuben Garrick of the Manly Sea Eagles ratings a shot versus South Sydney Rabbitohs in front of 40,746 in Las Vegas as Australian rugby league made its launching in the United States EZRA SHAW Text size UPDATES with 2nd match, crowd size Manly Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters made gaining starts as Australia’s National Rugby League started its season at flashy Las Vegas Saturday in a vibrant quote to get into the rewarding American market. Rugby league is extremely popular in Australia and the sport’s employers have actually long wished to grow its existence in the United States. A double-header to begin the season was the sport’s very first severe venture into the nation after signing a five-year offer to play 10 matches at Allegiant Stadium, which hosted the Super Bowl 3 weeks earlier. Manly beat South Sydney Rabbitohs– co-owned by Hollywood star Russell Crowe– 36-24 to mark the very first time competitors points were made beyond Australia and New Zealand. “It seemed like we actually needed to strive for that a person,” stated Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans. “To come here and play in front of this crowd is very unique and it makes it more unique when you get the win.” Richie Kennar took boasting rights for the very first shot in Vegas, crossing in the seventh minute as the Rabbitohs took early control. Haumole Olakau’atu levelled ball games after 22 minutes as Manly returned in the video game, just for Jacob Gagai’s diving shot in the corner to put South Sydney ahead once again. Flying winger Jacob Saab guaranteed Manly took a 12-10 lead into the break with an obstruct attempt and they controlled the 2nd half, running in 4 more shots. The Roosters beat Brisbane Broncos– who lost in 2015’s Grand Final to the three-time protecting champ Penrith Panthers– 20-10, with a late shot from Victor Radley guaranteeing triumph. The Panthers begin their title defence next Friday versus Melbourne Storm, in Melbourne. The video games were the conclusion of months of preparation and promo with Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V’landys hoping the hectic, compelling nature of the sport will interest Americans. Some 40,746 fans remained in the 65,000-capacity place, with lots of from overseas. Reports stated a minimum of 14,000 Australians made the journey, with thousands more from other nations, significantly England. Tom Trbojevic of the Sea Eagles is taken on by Damien Cook of the Rabbitohs EZRA SHAW While critics criticised the Vegas experiment as an overhyped trick and a needless waste of cash, the sport’s employers saw a huge market to make use of. “We are devoted to this for the next 5 years, and we will not be prevented from our objective of making this sport popular in the USA,” V’landys informed the Sydney Morning Herald. “I’m not fretted about the white sound or the knockers. We have a concept in mind and we are going to perform it and make it effective.” He stated individually to the Sydney Daily Telegraph that “this is a financial investment to make earnings and we will make significant earnings in the years to come”. “Naturally, you find out a lot from your very first one and next year we wish to make it larger and much better.”
Sea Eagles Win As Australian Rugby League Launches American Dream – Barron’s
