NRL news 2024: Brandon Smith and Reece Walsh granted US visas

Officials are breathing a sigh of relief as Roosters hooker Brandon Smith and Broncos fullback Reece Walsh are the final NRL players to be granted visas for the Las Vegas double-header.

The NRL’s grand plan to sell the game to America has been given a rock star boost after Brisbane Broncos golden boy Reece Walsh was finally cleared to take his place in Las Vegas for the historic double header.

Walsh, the face of the game’s most glamorous club, and Sydney Roosters hooker Brandon Smith were forced to endure an anxious 24 hours after their applications for visas were sent to America for final approval.

The pair were given the green light on Friday morning, easing concerns that one or both could be forced to cool their heels in Australia as the season kicks off with a double header at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders and this year’s Super Bowl.

Walsh, in particular, has been earmarked to help sell the game to America after ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys drew comparisons between the Broncos sensation and rock star Justin Bieber late last year.

The 21-year-old took the NRL by storm in 2023 as he inspired the Broncos’ grand final resurgence and officials believe his good looks and charisma will help open the game to a new audience in Vegas.

Brisbane Broncos golden boy Reece Walsh has finally been cleared to take his place in Las Vegas. Picture: Adam Head

This masthead understands that Walsh is also part of Fox League’s promotion for the game – the NRL’s major broadcast partner is going all-in on Vegas as they prepare to televise both games, including exclusive coverage of the season opener between Manly and South Sydney.

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo applauded US immigration for clearing more than 80 NRL players, including promotional big guns Walsh, Smith and Souths’ Latrell Mitchell.

“I’m pleased with the outcome, I was always confident we would have the support of the US government,” V’landys said.

“It’s great news for Reece Walsh, he is a brilliant young player and wonderful for this historic event in Vegas.”

In the lead-up to last year’s grand final, V’landys told News Corp that Walsh could become rugby league’s greatest export to America, likening him to former Cronulla glamour boy Andrew Ettingshausen.

“If marketed right, Reece Walsh can become one of the best-known Australian sportsmen in America,” V’landys said.

“Reece is only young but he can certainly be the face of the game.

“He reminds me of Andrew Ettingshausen.

“Walsh has the looks and he has the charisma, but most importantly, he has the brilliance and it’s something other players would love to have.

“What can you say about Reece Walsh, there are people who buy tickets just to watch him and his brilliance.

“Someone like him comes along once in a generation.

“Every time he touches the ball, people stand up out of their seats.

“I haven’t seen someone like him for a very long time.

“He’s the Justin Bieber of rugby league. They look like brothers.”

Brandon Smith is going to Las Vegas. Picture: NRL Photos

There had been concerns that a drug charge would hamper Walsh’s ability to secure a visa, those fears heightening when his application was sent to America for a final verdict.

Smith, likewise, was forced to bide his time after an incident a decade ago prompted the US consulate to seek a final decision out of America.

The concerns of NRL, Broncos and Roosters officials were assuaged on Friday morning when they were notified that Smith and Walsh had been given the all clear.

It would have been a disaster for the clubs and the code had they been rubbed out, robbing the game of two superstars and having serious implications for the integrity of the competition.

It would have also raised alarm bells for the other teams in the competition given all 17 sides are expected to get a taste of America over the next five years.

Abdo was always confident the players would be free to play.

“Taking a major sport to a new market is a complex undertaking, and we’ve worked closely with the clubs and players through the process while respecting the immigration laws of the United States,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.

“We were always confident in our plan, and we are naturally thrilled that US sports fans will get to see the very best rugby league players on the planet perform live in Las Vegas.”

RABBITOHS FREE TO TRAVEL, BUT HIT WITH INJURY

On a day of drama at Sydney’s US Consulate, the Rabbitohs breathed a huge sigh of relief after Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, Michael Chee Kam and assistant coach John Sutton were cleared to travel to Sin City.

While the Rabbitohs had a more positive experience at Sydney’s US Embassy, their joy at superstar Mitchell being cleared was tempered by an injury setback.

NRL PREDICTED TEAMS: SOUTHS STAR FACES SIX MONTHS OUT

It later emerged that classy Rabbitohs centre Campbell Graham would miss the Vegas showdown against Manly and be sidelined for up to six months after suffering complications from an ongoing sternum injury.

Graham is booked for surgery next week which is expected to rule him out for the opening half of the season.

Reece Walsh has also been cleared to enter the US. Picture: Adam Head

Along with Mitchell, Wighton, and Sutton, Chee Kam was interviewed by consulate officials on Thursday morning.

It is understood they were given the all clear by consulate officials, confirming that they will be part of the travelling party for the historic double header.

The time in Vegas training with his new teammates will be crucial for Wighton who returns from suspension for the round 3 clash against the Sydney Roosters.

Souths kick off the Vegas extravaganza against the Manly on March 3 (AEDT).

Originally published as NRL news 2024: Brandon Smith and Reece Walsh granted US visas