NRL Las Vegas 2025: Elle MacPherson and Andrew Ettinghausen reunite after 32 years
They were the pin-up stars of the Shire, and 32 years after their iconic photo, Elle Macpherson and Andrew Ettingshausen have reunited ahead of the NRL’s season launch in Las Vegas.
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They were the pin-up stars of the Shire — and 32 years after their iconic photo, Elle Macpherson and Andrew Ettingshausen have reunited.
Embracing like old friends, the supermodel and rugby league legend have come together for the first time ahead of the Cronulla Sharks’ season-opening blockbuster clash with Penrith at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday.
“I’m so excited,’’ Macpherson said.
“We’ve been working on this for a year to come (to Las Vegas).
“As soon as we found out they were playing here, we were planning this trip.
“I’m excited for the team and I’m excited for Australia, it’s so wonderful for us to be able to showcase our beloved league in America.
It was at the peak of her modelling career in 1993, that her father, former president of the Sharks Peter Gow, invited Macpherson to present Ettingshausen with a golden boot to celebrate his 200th match for the club.
The photo was splashed across front and back pages across the country with Ettingshausen one of the game’s biggest billboard stars at the time.
“I just remember thinking he was a spunk,’’ Macpherson replied when asked what she recalled of the famous image.
“I remember thinking ‘oh god, he’s a real spunk … and he still is.
“I remember seeing him at that time, everyone was jealous of me getting my picture taken with him.
“And here I am having one again.
“He’s an icon and he’s done so much for the club and for sport.
“He’s truly an icon. I love to see us raising our Australian icons.’’
Macpherson surprised Gow, who has been battling illness, with tickets to the game, even though she is unable to attend the NRL extravaganza.
“I’ll always be a Sharkie,’’ Macpherson said.
“Especially with my Dad being such a long time loving support for the Shire and also the team.
“I grew up watching the Sharks so it’s really exciting to be here.
“Absolutely (they hold a special place in my heart).’’
Ettingshausen laughed when told of Macpherson’s compliment.
“I’m 59 at the moment, so I’m a long way from my prime, but that’s an honour,’’ the Sharks legend said.
“She’s been an amazing model and an amazing female. I’ve got four daughters and they would look up to Elle Macpherson because of the pathways she’s created and the way she carried herself all her life.
“Thanks to Elle, there has been a lot of celebrities support the Sharks, but back in the day when we were at that stage when it was very much a male-focused fan base and the league wanted to attract women to the game, and what a perfect person for us to have as an ambassador and have Elle there.’’
Cronulla CEO Dino Mezzatesta was instrumental in bringing the high-profile stars together.
“We think of the history of our club, but to have Elle and ET involved with us while we’re in Vegas is amazing and we have to thank Peter Gow for that,’’ Mezzatesta said.
“He was instrumental in making that happen and he was part of our history and we’ve always got to acknowledge our history.
“He’s done wonderful things for our club and here we are with his daughter which is wonderful for them as well.
“From day one, when Elle wanted to surprise her father and her brother to come to this game, she’s been so accommodating.’’
Gow was close to tears as he watched the photo shoot unfold.
“I’ve been very sick for the last two-and-a-half years and I just came good 10 days ago and everything fell into place,’’ Gow said.
“I haven’t been able to travel.
“But we’ll be at the game and I’m hoping the Sharkies can win.’’
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Originally published as NRL Las Vegas 2025: Elle MacPherson and Andrew Ettinghausen reunite after 32 years
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