Patrick Mahomes: NRL to extend invite to Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl star to attend Las Vegas matches
One of world sport’s biggest stars is poised to be offered a seat at the NRL’s Las Vegas spectacular — and told attending will help take him to another level of greatness.
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New York-based Manly co-owner Scott Penn believes Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes could “add another trick or two” to his game by attending the NRL double-header in Las Vegas.
And Penn has a long-time family friendship with strong links to the Chiefs superstar.
Quarterback Mahomes famously led Kansas City Chiefs to an overtime win in Monday’s Super Bowl against San Francisco at Allegiant Stadium, the same venue for rugby league’s historic foray into America.
Penn watched and admired Mahomes’ brilliant performance to secure his third Super Bowl ring - and third MVP – in just his seventh season of NFL.
While acknowledging his greatness, Penn said Mahomes could further improve game by attending and watching rugby league’s defensive brutality and attacking sparkle.
And the Sea Eagles chairman has a line to Mahomes through a long-time family friend.
Penn and his parents – Rick and Heather – have a strong friendship with Carl Peterson, a former President, general manager and chief executive of the Chiefs.
Peterson has been invited to attend the Vegas NFL games by Rick Penn. Could Mahomes join Peterson? Peterson and the Penn family have apartments on The World residential cruise ship.
“It would be fantastic if we could get Patrick along, or any of the elite NFL players. We would love to host him,” Scott Penn said.
“No doubt he could pick up something from our game and see first-hand the ferocity of rugby league.
“Everyone learns from Patrick but he could add another trick or two to his bag by watching rugby league. No question there are elements of the NRL that could translate, for sure.
“He would probably be celebrating the Super Bowl win and unable to come but we’d love to showcase the NRL to him, to show him what’s possible.
“The 49ers first touchdown was basically a trick shot. You need to try new things to set yourself apart in the game today.
“Mahomes is a classic example – he played football and baseball at a serious level coming through school.
“The more superstars we can get to come and experience our game, the better. I am sure they could be impressed by the spectacle and they would then tell their social media networks.
“Mum and Dad are close friends with Carl Peterson, who was once president of the Chiefs. Carl has been invited to the game as our guest.”
Peterson was with Kansas City between 1989 and 2008 and also worked for the Philadelphia Eagles.
He was also asked by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to work on several committees within the organisation.
Manly play Souths while Brisbane confront the Sydney Roosters on a momentous day for rugby league on March 2.
“Fans here in America will love the Gladiatorial nature of rugby league,” Penn said.
“If we can continue to foster the game’s entertainment and turn it into a spectacle, which we will, then they will come.
“They tell their friends and word-of-mouth will be strong. It will be huge, awesome. There is a lot of interest. Americans are looking for a spring-summer sport.
“If we can get 30,000 to 40,000 fans at the game then that is a fantastic start and it will then snowball.”
Penn added: “I thought Mahomes stood up in that Super Bowl – he is so nimble in the pocket, he has no fear. He could play for at least another ten years. He is next level in professionalism.”
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby said Brisbane’s Reece Walsh had been compared to Mahomes.
“He looks small but fast and skilful. I am told he is like the Patrick Mahomes of the league,” Crosby said.
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Originally published as Patrick Mahomes: NRL to extend invite to Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl star to attend Las Vegas matches