Las Vegas Confidential: Cronulla Sharks Mermaids meet Raiderettes in cheerleader crossover
It’s not just the NRL players who are rubbing shoulders with their American sporting colleagues in Las Vegas, Cronulla’s cheerleaders are also forming special bonds.
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The Sharks are bringing the showtime to Las Vegas - with a plan to take it back home to the Shire.
In an NRL first, the Cronulla Mermaids - the club’s official cheerleading squad - have collaborated with the Las Vegas Raiderettes.
The Raiderettes have been the premier cheerleading squad in America’s National Football League for 60 years, celebrating women, tradition and sisterhood.
The meet and greet at the Raiderette studios in Las Vegas on Thursday provided the Mermaids an opportunity to learn about their philosophy and success on and off the field.
The event featured veteran Sharks cheerleader Ellie Bull showcasing the glittering 2025 Mermaids uniform, current Raiderettes Jordie and Kylie, former Raiderette and honorary Mermaid for the week Audrey, new Mermaids Director Robyn Parras and Raiderettes Director Tiphanie McNiff.
The Sharks recently appointed Robyn Parras as Mermaids director to collaborate on the vision to create the NRL’s most dynamic and entertaining cheer squad.
With her elite training across ballet, tap, jazz and cheerleading, as well as being the long-time manager and choreographer of the Sydney Roosters cheer squad, Parras has promised to deliver “something special” at all Sharks home games this year.
“Unveiling the 2025 Minespec Parts Mermaids in Las Vegas is an experience I will cherish forever! It’s an unforgettable milestone, not just for the squad but for the entire Cronulla Sharks organisation,” Parras said.
“Game-day entertainment is absolutely essential to the Mermaids brand and everything we do. There will be high kicks, hair flicks and backflips.
“The Mermaids are not just entertainers – they are athletes who bring energy, precision and passion to every performance.
“Our goal is to leave fans eagerly anticipating each match – not only through our high-energy, thrilling performances on the field but also by serving as inspiring role models for younger dancers.”
As part of the Sharks In Vegas campaign, the Mermaids cheerleaders will also be participating in game-day activations at Allegiant Stadium.
“This is an exciting new era for our Mermaids, who are such an integral part of our brand, team and community. We look forward to engaging our fans and inspiring the younger generation like never before this season,’’ Sharks GM of marketing, brand and digital Mel Madigan said.
“With Robyn delivering a team of strong professional dancers and club ambassadors, the Sharks fans will be entertained from the minute they walk into the gates at Sharks Stadium right up until the final whistle.”
CARNEY’S ELVIS IMPERSONATION
Former England and Newcastle winger Brian Carney has been a ubiquitous figure since landing in Las Vegas to cover the games with the Sky Sports crew. The colourful Carney even donned an Elvis suit at the NRL fan hub and interviewed players from Warrington and Wigan as part of Sky Sports’ build-up to the game.
SHOOSH I
Which player picked up a $5 note which was left on the floor?
SHOOSH II
Which club official almost lost their mobile phone down the Grand Canyon. They had the device accidentally knocked out of their hands and it was almost disastrous with the phone just hitting the protection barrier.
SHOOSH III
Jack Johns, son of Matthew and brother of Cooper, catching up with Sharks players in the lobby of the Circus World Resort.
SPOTTED
Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon and a handful of the Sharks players taking advantage of the cut-price shopping at one of the Las Vegas outlet malls. ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys and his family also took advantage of the savings.
SPOTTED II
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo being interviewed by the New York Post in a closed pizzeria opposite the NRL Fan Hub in Resorts World.
FAN’S TATTOO GENERATES BUZZ
It’s the type of Las Vegas request usually reserved for Australian male dance group Thunder From Down Under. But at the NRL Fan Hub on Thursday AEDT, Cronulla fan Scott Rae had multiple requests to take off his shirt to show the giant Sharks tattoo he got after their 2016 title triumph.
“It took me 50 years and then eight hours to get my first tattoo,” Rae told Vegas Confidential.
Our friend and colleague, Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield, got a similar, albeit smaller Sharks ink on his calf.
“Came home with it and the wife was a bit upset,” Rae said. “She thought I was coming home with a little Buzz one.”
KIWI STARS TURN FLIGHT ATTENDANTS
Shaun Johnson and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak had a brief career change after the Kiwi stars tried their hand at being a flight attendants on their way to Las Vegas. The recently retired Johnson and injured Warriors flyer Watene-Zelezniak were part of the charter flight which left Auckland this week. They duo surprised guests when they stepped in front of the trolleys to serve all the economy guests their food.
RTS WATCHING MANU
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is keeping a close eye on former Roosters teammate Joey Manu as he undertakes his own cross-code switch. Tuivasa-Sheck had a mixed stint in his 15-man appearance before making his return to the NRL last year. Manu is just beginning his rugby journey in Japan.
“I wished him all the best,” Tuivasa-Sheck said. “I’ve seen he is doing well. Last time I checked he was in the team of the week.”
CLEARY PUTS A LINE THROUGH RUGBY
Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary has put a line through rugby union in a huge fillip for the NRL on the eve of their Las Vegas extravaganza. Cleary, arguably the headline act in Sin City, who was named as a potential rugby union target by former Rugby Australia chair Hamish McLennan last year.
However, Cleary - who has a contract with the Panthers until the end of 2027 - has shot down the thought of switching codes as he prepares to lead Penrith not their round one game against Cronulla.
“Not really to be honest,” Cleary said when asked whether he had any interest in playing rugby union. “It’s something I’ve thought about but I don’t know, I’m really happy in league and league’s always been my passion.
“It’s always been my love and it’s been something that I’ve grown up just adoring to be honest.
“I think the thought of union is enticing in some respects, but just having to learn a whole new game and all that, I don’t know.
“I think league’s the one for me.”
Cleary has been the Panthers’ talisman over the past four years as the club has pieced together a quartet of premierships. There isn’t much the 27-year-old hasn’t done in the game, be it for club, state or country.
However, his sole focus is on winning more premierships with Penrith rather than chasing a World Cup in rugby union.
Asked whether he may change his mind about rugby union should he lead the Panthers to more titles before the end of his contract, Cleary said: “It’s a long time away and I’m not too good at predicting the future. “So I’m pretty happy at chasing a fifth premiership now and just trying to get better.”
MCGUIRE JOINS FOX SPORTS
American football punter Joe McGuire, son of media identity Eddie McGuire, was a member of the Ohio State side that won the recent college championship. Now he’s set to be a special guest of Fox Sports at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday (AEDT) for the NRL’s Vegas extravaganza. Joe McGuire is expected to be part of the coverage, providing expert analysis on the kicking game.
YOUNG CONTINUES TO ATONE FOR STOUSH
Canberra forward Hudson Young has gone out of his way to atone for his altercation with Morgan Smithies at the team hotel last week. He’s set to continue his redemption story by appearing on NRL 360 on Saturday morning (AEDT). Young has gone out of his way to make up for the negative publicity he brought on the game in Vegas.
BIG LEAGUE BACK
Big League mag is officially back for the 2025 season. On the back of last year’s highly successful Grand Final edition, the NRL has announced the ‘bible’ is returning with weekly editions in 2025. Print editions of Big League will be available for purchase at NRL Major Events – Rugby League Las Vegas, Magic Round, State of Origin, and the Grand Final.
Fans can also subscribe and get print editions delivered to their home and access a weekly digital edition for all other rounds of the NRL Telstra Premiership. Go to nrl.com/bigleague for more information
* The NRL has helped fund our team’s travel expenses to Las Vegas
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Originally published as Las Vegas Confidential: Cronulla Sharks Mermaids meet Raiderettes in cheerleader crossover
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