‘Bash each other’: NRL makes huge splash in Las Vegas ahead of historic double-header

The NRL has wasted no time in promoting next year’s historic double-header, with a couple of stars featuring in an interview in Las Vegas during an NFL game.

NRL players Billy Walters and Spencer Leniu with former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez to promote next year’s double-header in Las Vegas. Picture: NRL Images

The NRL has officially touched down in the US, even if there were no actual touchdowns in the game at Allegiant Stadium on Monday morning that featured an interview with Aaron Woods and Campbell Graham that would have been seen by millions of Americans.

The pair are in America with Roosters recruit Spencer Leniu and Broncos hooker Billy Walters to promote next year’s kick-off in Las Vegas that will feature a historic double-header to open the new season.

The players joined NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo at the match between the Raiders and the Vikings that finished 3-0 – the lowest NFL score in 16 seasons – with hopes of a more entertaining product next March when the NRL comes to town.

It’ll be the first time the NRL has taken games to Sin City, with a plan to play matches there for many years to come, just like the NFL has done with three regular season games played in London this year and another two in Germany as part of its long-term push to grow the sport in Europe.

The NRL will officially launch the concept later this week in a bid to boost ticket sales for next year’s double-header at Allegiant Stadium.

Campbell Graham and Aaron Woods talk NRL at the NFL. Picture: NRL Images

The NRL has been advertising next year’s double-header at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Picture: Supplied

“I think Americans love the collisions in sport, and Vegas is the entertainment capital,” Woods said in halftime interview on Fox Sports.

“We want to bring the main game from Australia that we love doing back home.

“There are no helmets, there are no pads and we’re just in there making collisions and getting the fans pumped up like they are today.”

A new-look Steeden has been designed featuring the stars and stripes, with highlights of the NRL’s biggest hits and most spectacular tries to be used in advertising over there for the next few months.

“We’re just going to try to get out there and bash each other,” Graham said.

“We want to come out here and entertain, and I think we have the product to do that.

“I’m really looking forward to coming back in March and putting on a show.”

The NRL has unveiled a new ball in Las Vegas. Picture: NRL Images

Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez tried to merge the sports with some spiral passes using an NRL ball but realised the Steeden is a lot different to what he grew up throwing.

“I had a decent spiral, but then I tried to throw it (an NRL ball) overhand and it doesn’t work the same,” he said.

“They were excellent guys, they were excited to be back here and they were excited to play in this venue.”