Canberra Raiders target UFC boss Dana White to blow Viking horn in Las Vegas
The Canberra Raiders have approached Dana White to blow the Viking horn for their side in Las Vegas, after it was indicated the UFC boss would be attending the NRL season opener.
The Canberra Raiders want UFC boss Dana White to blow the Viking horn in Las Vegas.
This masthead can reveal that overtures have been made with the UFC to have White perform the traditional ceremony before the Raiders play the Warriors at Allegiant Stadium.
The Raiders had initially planned to approach NFL legend Tom Brady but it is understood they couldn’t make it happen. Enter White, who was in Sydney last week for a show at Qudos Bank Arena.
It is understood White spoke to Raiders back rower Hudson Young at the event and indicated he would attend the game in Las Vegas.
Canberra now have White at the top of their horn hit-list as they look to lock in a high profile figure to perform what has quickly become one of rugby league’s most notable traditions.
“I have reached out to his publicity agent,” Raiders chief executive Don Furner said.
“It was only a couple of days ago. If he accepts it, we would take him straight away. He is known around the world.
“We are casting the net far and wide but Dana is our first choice. If he decides not to do it, we’ll move onto some other options.”
The Raiders have White at the top of a target list that also includes Brady’s former teammate Rob Gronkowski and new Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll.
It is understood Carroll and Raiders coach Ricky Stuart have a longstanding relationship from when Carroll was at the helm of the Seattle Seahawks.
The Raiders have also planned a cross-promotional event with the Las Vegas Golden Knights while they are in Sin City.
It is understood captain Joe Tapine will perform the tradition of “cranking the siren” before the Golden Knights game on Saturday night.
The Raiders may reciprocate by offering a Golden Knights player the chance to blow the horn in Vegas, although White and Gronkowski are likely to be given the first shot at accepting the challenge.
The horn has quickly become one of rugby league’s favourite traditions, with former players and celebrities being given the opportunity to blow it before Raiders games.
At the back end of the 2016 season the Raiders fan base introduced the Viking clap to their home games for the first time.
It created an instant boost in atmosphere and excitement prior to kick-off for supporters and brilliant colour for TV broadcasters.
Similar to the giant horn used before every game of NFL team the Minnesota Vikings, the Raiders felt that going into the 2017 season the Viking Clap needed a starting point — a call to arms and signal for fans to stand in preparation for the “clap”.
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