NRL 2024: Reece Walsh, Latrell Mitchell and Payne Haas face visa uncertainty ahead of Las Vegas round

The NRL has encountered another hurdle in its Las Vegas venture with a number of big name stars facing uncertain visa issues due to past indiscretions. See the list of players facing US visa issues.

Rugby league superstars Reece Walsh and Latrell Mitchell headline a list of players who could potentially face visa hurdles ahead of the NRL’s Las Vegas extravaganza.

The NRL is working feverishly to ensure some of the game’s biggest drawcards are cleared to enter the United States for the historic premiership-opener in Sin City.

As the NRL faces pressure from club bosses over a lack of Vegas clarity, this masthead can reveal a host of big-name players may have to pass through an additional application process to enter America.

The NRL and clubs – Broncos, Roosters, Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles – are seeking guidance from immigration experts around the visa requirements for players that have been arrested by police, faced charges or convicted of criminal offences.

Among the group of players who could potentially be under a visa cloud are State of Origin superstars Payne Haas (Broncos), Jack Wighton (Rabbitohs), Walsh (Broncos) and Mitchell (Rabbitohs).

There is no suggestion the players will be denied entry to America for the double-header on March 3 (AEST).

However their histories may present another layer of complexity to be navigated by their clubs and NRL for the Vegas expedition.

Broncos players Payne Haas and Reece Walsh will meet with NFL legend Tom Brady. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

The majority of players and staff heading to the US next month are expected to be granted ESTA visas, which are generally approved instantly following a brief online application process.

But those that answer ‘yes’ to the following questions on the ESTA application may have to apply for a different visa.

– Have you ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person or government authority?

– Have you ever violated any law related to possessing, using, or distributing illegal drugs?

SIGN UP TO SUPERCOACH HERE

In 2021, Haas pleaded guilty to one count of intimidating police during an incident in Tweed Heads while later that year Walsh, then contracted to the Warriors, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine on the Gold Coast. Neither player had convictions recorded.

Early last year, Mitchell and Wighton were arrested in Canberra and charged with fight in public place, affray and obstruct/resist territory officials.

The charges were dropped in November, however the fact they were arrested and charged means they may still have to explain their application to US consulate officials.

The Broncos and Rabbitohs are currently seeking guidance on the visa application process for their players.

Other players potentially facing uncertain visa processes are the Broncos’ Tristan Sailor (acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2022) and Souths’ Michael Chee Kam (convicted of assault in 2019).

Police dropped charges against Jack Wighton and Latrell Mitchell over an incident in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Martin Ollman

Manly’s Matt Lodge pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour reckless assault charge in the US in 2015, however is unlikely to be travelling to the US due to a knee injury.

The Broncos depart Brisbane on February 22 to set-up camp in Los Angeles ahead of their showdown with the Roosters and are confident Walsh, Haas and Sailor will not encounter any visa complications.

“Our planning for the US is well-advanced and we are looking forward to setting up camp at the LA Rams training base in the lead-up to round one,” Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said.

“I’m sure the NRL will be able to solve some of the logistical issues facing the four clubs heading to the US.

“It will be a great showpiece for rugby league and we’re looking forward to playing our part in these historic games.”

Representatives of the four clubs are set to meet with ARLC chairman Peter V’landys later this week after growing impatient with the organisational progress being made by the NRL.

With less than a month until some depart, the clubs claim they are still awaiting detail around issues like visas, training venues and insurance.

The Rabbitohs will play the Sea Eagles in the other double-header at Allegiant Stadium on March 2 (local time) to kick off the 2024 NRL premiership.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Reece Walsh, Latrell Mitchell and Payne Haas face visa uncertainty ahead of Las Vegas round