NRL in Las Vegas: Players warned by police over deadly drug fentanyl

One of Las Vegas’ top cops has put NRL stars on notice over the deadly effects of killer drug fentanyl in a chilling warning ahead of the historic season opener.

South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

NRL players heading to Las Vegas have been put on notice over the deadly effects of killer drug fentanyl in a chilling warning delivered by one of Las Vegas’ top cops.

Lieutenant Kendall Bell, who was in charge of security at the Super Bowl, last week spoke to players and officials from the four NRL clubs involved in the landmark season-opening double header.

He reiterated his warning for them in an interview with this masthead on Thursday morning, urging players to take advantage of everything that Sin City has to offer – but to make sure they do it responsibly and avoid the perils of prostitution and drugs.

Of most concern is the potentially inadvertent use of fentanyl, a synthetic drug typically used to treat patients with severe pain and considered 50-100 times more potent than heroin.

When mixed with other drugs it increases their potency and that is where the concern lies for Lieutenant Bell.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Events Planning Commander Kendall Bell. Photo: Supplied

“Any city you go to there are things that can always happen,” Lieutenant Bell said.

“Here in Las Vegas it can be prostitution, it can be drugs. All across this country, fentanyl is causing great damage to young people.

“So that was the extreme we talked about – making sure you stay away from drugs and things of that nature because they could be laced with something you weren’t expecting.

“Throughout this country we lose a lot of people to drug overdoses because they thought they were getting A and they ended up getting B.

“We talked about that. We also talked about how social media is so prevalent now. They make a lot of money by putting you in a bad position so they can get more likes and more streams.

“We wanted to make sure they understand that, understand they do have a bit of celebrity, but they also understand that people are going to try to capitalise off their celebrity.”

The first batch of NRL players touched down in Las Vegas on Thursday (AEDT) when half of the Manly squad began setting up camp in the city.

The remainder of the Sea Eagles squad will join them over the next 24 hours. Manly coach Anthony Seibold has opted to base his squad in Las Vegas for more than a week leading up to their opening game against South Sydney.

The Rabbitohs, Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos will only arrive in Vegas three or four days before the game, which will be held at Allegiant Stadium.

A handful of players across the four clubs are under the age of 21, meaning they are unable to drink alcohol in America.

Lieutenant Bell warned senior players at the four clubs not to put their younger teammates in bad positions.

“I basically told them to go out and joy themselves, but to do it responsibly,” Lieutenant Bell said.

“Like I said, people are going to know these guys. We don’t want them walking about by themselves.

“They are probably bigger guys that will stand out more than the average person in town. But it was not a doom or gloom, or worst case scenario.

“It was more coming out here and being responsibility, taking care of business, but enjoying everything this city has to offer.

“I know some of the players are as young as 18 or 19. But they have to understand that while we want them to enjoy the city, there are still some things that aren’t made for 18 or 19 years olds.

“So they have to be aware of that. The people that are over 21 have to also be responsible for these younger folks who are under age and not put them in a position that could get them into trouble.

“So the message is no different to what we provide for anybody that is coming here in the city – that is come here, enjoy yourself but be responsible.”

HOLLYWOOD HUGH ANSWERS MANLY CALL-UP

Hollywood A-lister Hugh Jackman is set to add some star power to the NRL season opener in Las Vegas as a guest of one of Manly’s major sponsors.

Sport Confidential understands that plans are afoot for Jackman to attend the game as well as a Manly training session in the lead-up to the club’s season opener against South Sydney at Allegiant Stadium.

Jackman is a long-time Sea Eagles fan and has previously backed the NRL’s plan to take on America.

The NRL had harboured hopes of having him involved in promoting the game but it is understood he will instead attend Manly’s round one clash as a guest of Sea Eagles’ backer Shaw and Partners.

While Jackman is expected to attend the game purely as a fan, his fellow A-lister Russell Crowe has played a pivotal role in promoting the double header by voicing an ad and explainer that has been used to educate American audiences on rugby league.

Hugh Jackman is set to add some star power to the NRL season opener. Picture: Mark Evans

Demetriou hits back at Seibold jab

Jason Demetriou has defended South Sydney’s decision to base themselves in San Diego after the club was hit with a broadside from rival Manly coach Anthony Seibold.

Seibold called out the Rabbitohs for failing to promote the game in Las Vegas by basing themselves in the southern-California city.

The Broncos and Roosters have based themselves in Los Angeles.

Manly is the only team to be based in Vegas for the double-header, with the other three clubs jetting into Sin City next Wednesday for the matches at Allegiant Stadium.

Demetriou had a lighthearted jab at Souths by claiming he would leave money on the bar for the Sea Eagles players to enjoy themselves prior to the round one blockbuster.

However, after Seibold said it “would be nice if the Bunnies came to Las Vegas to promote the game”, Demetriou shook the shot over the bow away.

“I’m not going to buy into it, really,’’ Demetriou said.

“It (came from) a comment I made to a ridiculous question about players going out and it couldn’t be more tongue in cheek.

“In terms of promoting the game, our club is renowned and putting our hand up to come over here in the first place, shows how committed we are to promoting the game.

“We’re promoting it to America, so it’s good the clubs have spread themselves to different areas.

“Anyone that knows me, knows I’m not putting money over the bar.’’

Originally published as NRL in Las Vegas: Players warned by police over deadly drug fentanyl