Cronulla Sharks hit the ground running in the US in preparation for round 1 game against the Raiders

Cronulla have hit the ground running in the US, rubbing shoulders with NFL royalty and given insight into the reality of life in downtown Los Angeles by an LAPD detective.

“Oh man, you run straight through the tackle.’’

Little by little, brick by brick, the Sharks are spreading the gospel of rugby league to America.

Cronulla have wasted no time immersing themselves into the land of opportunity, showing former NFL stars Todd Gurley and Trai Turner footage of the NRL within hours of landing in the US.

“I would say your guys (NRL) are all-round more athletic than an NFL player,’’ Gurley conceded.

“But you know what, I’m really going to find out next weekend.

“I’m going to be in Las Vegas and I can’t wait.’’

Turner added: “There’s some brave guys playing NRL, that’s for sure.’’

Sharks stars Nicho Hynes and hard-running prop Braden Hamlin-Uele were busy on the campaign trail for their upcoming season-opening blockbuster against the Panthers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Shaking off their jet lag with a walk along Venice Beach, the duo were joined by the rest of the Cronulla team, who have set up a four-day camp in LA prior to flying to Las Vegas next week.

The Cronulla Sharks during training at Venice Beach. Picture: Grant Trouville

The Cronulla Sharks during training at Venice Beach. Picture: Grant Trouville

“I honestly never thought rugby league would take myself, let alone our team to America,’’ Hamlin-Uele said.

“You always thought England, Australia and New Zealand would be all the places we get to go, but to be here in America, it’s a pinch yourself moment.

“We’re embracing every part of it and look forward to getting to Vegas.’’

The Sharks were also treated to the reality of life in downtown Los Angeles by Ryan Cooper, an LAPD Detective for the Gang and Narcotic division.

Cooper addressed the entire Cronulla playing group and coaching staff of the confronting elements of LA.

Nicho Hynes and Trai Turner. Picture: Grant Trouville

The Sharks were all smiles as they headed to LA. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Cooper warned the Sharks of no-go zones across LA, travelling together in groups – reason as to why the Cronulla club have hired a personal security guard for their stay in the US.

The long-serving detective even joked that, “If you do feel like you’re in a situation, maybe give them that face you pull when you’re charging the ball back in a game, that would scare the majority of people away.’’

The Sharks players all listened intently to Cooper as he addressed the group.

“It’s not usually what we would hear from the police, especially in Australia where it’s not that daunting, but I felt like they have to tell you the worse, so you prepare for the worse,’’ Hamlin-Uele said.

“So far it’s been amazing and our plan is to steadily increase our intensity as the week progresses into next Saturday.’’