NRL enlists Crowe ahead of Vegas double-header... but misses out on another Aussie star

Russell Crowe is in the thick of planning for the NRL’s Las Vegas invasion — but another Hollywood star has turned down an offer.

Russell Crowe during the First Semi Final between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Manly Sea Eagles in week 2 of the NRL Finals Series at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Friday, September 20, 2019. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Australia’s very own Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe is reportedly working with the NRL ahead of the game’s historic season-opening double-header in Las Vegas in March.

That is according to The Sydney Morning Herald, which reports Crowe — also co-owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs — had a face-to-face meeting with NRL executives and is said to be playing a significant role in the planning.

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Crowe has advised the game’s powerbrokers that breaking into the US market won’t be easy but he will assist — especially given his beloved Rabbitohs are one of the four teams that will play in Vegas on March 3.

While Crowe is backing the NRL, the same can’t be said for fellow Aussie Hugh Jackman.

The Herald reports the NRL is keen to get Jackman involved given he is a big Manly Sea Eagles fan but are struggling to lock him in.

Russell Crowe. AAP Image/Dean Lewins.

The governing body had hoped for Crowe and Jackman to be on board with promoting the Round 1 Vegas clash between Manly and South Sydney starting with the NRL’s official launch in Vegas later this month.

But at this stage neither will be at the event, according to the Herald.

Given the unsuccessful plan to get Jackman involved, the NRL is said to be now looking at working with other sports and their athletes to promote the double-header.

The Sea Eagle and Rabbitohs will kick off the 2024 season at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas followed by a clash between the Roosters and Broncos.

Originally published as NRL enlists Crowe ahead of Vegas double-header... but misses out on another Aussie star