Las Vegas D-Day: 12 NRL identities descend on US Embassy in last-ditch bid for visa approvals

Twelve NRL players and staff will launch a last-ditch effort for US visa approval for the historic Las Vegas round, as one blue-chip drawcard is cleared for take-off.

Superstar Broncos prop Payne Haas has been cleared by the American government as teammate Reece Walsh prepares for a D-Day meeting at Sydney’s US Embassy to get the green light to play in Las Vegas.

This masthead can reveal Walsh is one of 12 NRL identities who have been summoned to formal interviews with the US Embassy chiefs over the next two days in Sydney in a last-ditch bid for visa approvals.

The ‘Vegas Dozen’ are required to undergo a more rigorous assessment process with American immigration officials due to previous off-field incidents that have led to police arrests or charges.

The NRL has been working closely with the four clubs playing in Las Vegas - Manly, Souths, Brisbane and the Roosters - to help players compete their applications and prepare them for what lies in wait when they are grilled by American officials.

Manly and Souths will kick-off the NRL 2024 premiership in Las Vegas on Sunday, March 3 (AEST), before the Broncos and Roosters wrap-up a gala event at Allegiant Stadium - the scene of this year’s NFL Super Bowl.

More than 80 NRL players, including blue-chip drawcards Walsh (Broncos) and Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton (Souths), must be given the green light by American visa authorities for the Las Vegas venture.

The NRL is set to descend on Las Vegas.

Reece Walsh. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

In 2021, Haas was arrested after clashing with police at Tweed Heads, while later that year Brisbane fullback Walsh pleaded guilty to cocaine possession on the Gold Coast during his brief stint at the Warriors.

There were fears the historic event could be robbed of the NRL’s brightest promotional talents because of off-field scandals that could ring visa alarm bells with US government officials.

The NRL has sought guidance from immigration experts around the visa requirements for players that have been arrested by police, faced charges or convicted of criminal offences.

The governing body’s actions were a preamble to a small group of NRL top-liners being ordered to attend the US Embassy in Sydney on Wednesday and Thursday for formal interviews as part of the visa screening process.

The NRL is aware of the interviews and is working with US visa authorities.

But the one certainty is Haas will be on deck to spearhead Brisbane’s pack against the Roosters - and the Broncos are hopeful teammate Walsh will also receive a favourable Embassy hearing.

Well-placed sources say Haas, Brisbane’s No.1 forward, already possesses an American visa after his visit to Hawaii 15 months ago.

Haas and Walsh will fly to Sydney on Thursday with a number of Broncos players for media filming to promote the 2024 NRL season.

While in the Harbour City, Walsh, who has hired a visa expert to assist with his application, will also attend the US Consulate for an interview as he seeks clearance to enter Los Angeles and Las Vegas with the Broncos.

It is understood some NRL club staff, slated to be part of the Vegas trip, are also required for formal interviews given their past indiscretions.

It is uncertain if star Souths duo Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton are among the group required for extra screening with American visa bosses.

Early last year, Mitchell and Wighton, formerly at the Raiders, were arrested in Canberra and charged with fight in public place, affray and obstruct/resist territory officers.

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.

Payne Haas (L) has reportedly been cleared to enter the US. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

In 2018, Wighton was hit with a suspended jail sentence and fined after assaulting five men during a 20-minute drunken rampage in Canberra.

There is growing confidence at League Central that the players will get the green light to take part in the history-making double header, removing a major headache for the NRL and the clubs involved in the gala Vegas event.

It is unknown whether there are players or officials at Manly and the Sydney Roosters who are required to speak to consulate officials.

However, sources confirmed that interviews are expected to be conducted this week and a resolution to the visa imbroglio is imminent.

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys remains confident US visa authorities won’t stand in the way of Walsh or other past NRL offenders being cleared to play on American soil.

“I don’t think there will be any problem,” V’landys said.

“Some of the misdemeanours are not major, so hopefully there won’t be a problem and all the players from the four clubs will be available to play in Vegas.

“If you haven’t got any criminal record, it’s a five-minute process, but if you have been charged and been convicted, you have to go through an interview process.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and ARLC chair Peter V'landys at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Credit: Supplied.

“Precedents have shown us that (athletes involved in) such incidents are provided with visas, so we have to go through the process.

“We don’t believe there will be any concerns for us with any of the players.”

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo is adamant the code’s Vegas showpiece will not be marred by visa problems.

“We’re working well with clubs to get all the applications for players and officials submitted and resolved as soon as possible,” he said.

“We will deal with any issues on a case-by-case basis.

“I am positive that we will get the necessary visa clearance that we need and we are working with the clubs to make sure that happens.”

South Sydney chief executive Blake Solly expects the Rabbitohs to have their full contingent available for the marquee clash with Manly in Sin City.

“Peter (V’landys) and Andrew (Abdo) have provided us a commitment to resolve the issues with visas as a matter of urgency,” Solly said.

“We have placed our trust in the NRL and their process, and expect that this will ensure the best players are available for Round 1 in Las Vegas.”

Originally published as Las Vegas D-Day: 12 NRL identities descend on US Embassy in last-ditch bid for visa approvals