NRL news: Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby invites Reece Walsh on his podcast, The Rush | Sunday Sesh
One of the NFL’s most recognisable and feared defensive players has been in contact with Broncos management and he has called out Reece Walsh. Check out Sunday Session.
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One of the NFL’s most recognisable and feared defensive players Maxx Crosby has taken a liking to rugby league and is keen on hosting Brisbane superstar Reece Walsh on his hit podcast.
Crosby is one of the few NFL players whose skillset could handle the defensive technique of an NRL player. The Las Vegas defensive end has been tracking the game of late, with Walsh standing out.
“Wow these guys are impressive,” Crosby said.
“My manager CJ LaBoy has been sending me some clips and I feel like it’s a game I can get around.
“CJ has been talking to some of the Broncos players management and said they are NFL fans and that Reece Walsh and a couple of others listen to my podcast.
“He looks small but fast and skilful. I am told he is like the Patrick Mahomes of the league. He also reminds me of Tyreek Hill.
“It would be good to get him on the Rush Podcast.”
Any potential to include Crosby in some cross-promotion would be good for the NRL. He is one of the few genuine superstars at the Raiders while his podcast The Rush would give the game a huge boost if any rugby league related content lands on there.
Crosby is also planning on attending the match in March if his schedule permits.
“If I am in town I am keen to come to the game and meet a few of the players,” Crosby said. “No doubt I would love to go to Australia and take the family, watch some rugby, grow the Raiders brand and hopefully tie in a UFC event.”
MATTY’S CREW FAILS EATING CHALLENGE
Matty Johns and his crew are in Las Vegas and they failed their first test. Johns, Bryan Fletcher, Gorden Tallis and Nathan Hindmarsh took on the Heart Attack Grill. where they tried to complete the 20,000-calorie burger challenge which included nine patties and 18 buns.
To no-one’s surprise none of the quartet were able to get through it. Their punishment? A spanking by the waitress as is the tradition. Apparently about one person a month can conquer the challenge.
The group are in the US to film some segments as part of blitz Fox League are conducting in the lead-up to the historic double header.
Both matches will be shown live on Fox League from Allegiant Stadium while Johns’ show will be recorded from Vegas in the lead-up to the game.
BRONCOS FLYING HIGH
A charter plane has already been booked from Brisbane as Broncos fans snap up tickets to be at next year’s double header in Las Vegas.
Broncos hooker Billy Walters said the promotional trip had laid the foundation for a success event.
“Now we are here and launched it all,” Walters said.
“It seems like it’s coming together nicely. You’re always excited for round one.
“(The American fans) appreciate it and it’s been a big deal. It’s our round one game that counts for points. They are trying to learn. They aren’t here to tick boxes. It’s exciting. I know they will like it if they are open-minded.”
RAIDERS WELCOME NRL TAKEOVER
Raiders president Sandra Douglass Morgan has given her players full freedom to immerse themselves in rugby league as the NRL prepares to take over Las Vegas’s home ground.
Douglass Morgan said there is an easy connection between the NRL and the NFL and hopes that the partnership will grow significantly during the next few seasons.
The Raiders have thrown open the welcome mat to the NRL this week and will do so again when rugby league returns for the season proper in March.
Douglass Morgan is a strong advocate of the partnership and believes it can develop further in future seasons.
“It’s an exciting partnership,” Douglass Morgan said.
“We’re so excited to have the NRL come into our home stadium in March. We can’t wait to see them and hopefully all the seats are filled. There are so many similarities between American football and rugby.
“The players have grit and passion. They are putting everything on the line when they play the game. I am really glad that we will be the ones to host the NRL in the US.”
Douglass Morgan spent time chatting with NRL boss Andrew Abdo as well as the players in the NRL’s private suite at the Raiders match.
She believes her players will take to the new code.
“The physicality that’s involved in the game – there are similarities with both,” Douglass Morgan said.
“I am looking forward to our players getting involved in March.”
NRL’S FINAL DRAWCARD
The NRL have left their biggest draw card until last with retired NFL legend Rob Gronkowski rubbing shoulders with Aaron Woods and Billy Walters in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Gronkowski, who was Tom Brady’s attacking weapon, is set to help spruik the game in what could be the biggest cut-through moment for rugby league as they try to make inroads in the US market.
WALTERS PICKS CAPEWELL REPLACEMENT
Brisbane hooker Billy Walters has spoken about his surprise at Kurt Capewell’s immediate exit from the club to link with the Warriors.
Capewell has left Brisbane after two seasons at the club after inking a long-term deal with New Zealand.
The move happened so quickly that it caught some of his former Broncos teammates off-guard.
“There were a few rumours,” Walters said.
“I didn’t think it would happen so fast. I saw him on our first day back – he said he was coming in just to tell everyone he was leaving. You can’t knock him.
“He got a good opportunity to go across to the Warriors.”
With Jordan Riki entrenched as one starting back-rower, Walters said it was time for Brendan Piakura to step up and fill the void left by Capewell.
“He is a big loss for us,” Walters said.
“He is a great player and a great leader. He is really good for the younger boys in our squad. It’s a big opportunity for Brendan and Jordan.”
VEGAS HOUSE RULES
These are the stern warnings plastered all over the wall of the visitors dressing rooms at Allegiant Stadium.
You could not miss them and it told the NFL players exactly what was required. The cautions included no betting on matches.
“Protect game integrity and your career,” the poster read.
“Never bet on the NFL. Never gamble on anything while you are at work.”
Another gave a clear indication of what uniform was required when they take the field and told them their jersey must be tucked in.
WIGHTON CROWNED NO.1 CENTRE
Campbell Graham is planning on shadowing new recruit Jack Wighton as the pair prepare to become the game’s most lethal centre combination.
The representative players will line up on either side of the field for South Sydney next season and Graham said he has already taken a liking to the former Raiders five-eighth.
“It’s awesome,” Graham said.
“I feel like I can learn a lot from Jack. His game is like how I want to base my game off. It’s full of hard work.
“In terms of effort areas he is probably the best in the competition in that position. He is an absolute freak. I love his approach to training and game day. I’ll be getting a notepad and pen out around him.”
Graham attended two Raiders games in four days and took time to envisage what it would be like when he runs out onto the field for the Rabbitohs against Manly in Las Vegas next March.
“I took a moment at the stadium to think about what it would be like out there playing,” Graham said.
“It’s the best stadium I have ever been in. It built the excitement for myself to come over here and think about that we’re playing footy.
“I thought about the atmosphere. That was one thing I took away. It was so loud. Hopefully we can get a decent crowd and a few people from back home and a few locals to get around it.
“They clearly love their sport here.”
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