NRL boss Peter V’landys’ White House visit draws a swift response

Peter V’landys is in the US for a state dinner at the White House and the response has been brutal.

News broke this week that rugby league boss and noted spruiker Peter V’landys would be attending a state dinner at the White House.

It’s fair to say the response has not been kind.

V’landys’ reputation as a charismatic talker with a knack for selling his message and grinding the gears of his competitors is about to get by far its biggest test.

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That’s because he has been granted an extraordinary opportunity to sell rugby league to the most powerful human on Earth, American president Joe Biden.

Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, V’landys was invited to attend a state dinner at the White House as a guest of Prime Minister and rugby league tragic Anthony Albanese.

The NRL of course is forging ahead with efforts to win over the lucrative and competitive American market by playing a season-opening double-header in Las Vegas next year.

There is reportedly a function on the White House lawn taking place on Thursday (AEDT) before a state dinner, which will be attended by a host of American and Australian officials and celebrities.

Joe Biden and Peter V'landys. Photos: Getty Images

It is understood to be just the fourth state dinner during Biden’s three years in office.

V’landys has conceded he isn’t sure exactly what to expect, but knows he has a massive opportunity ahead of him.

“It’s a great honour to be here and I don’t really know the details as to what happens during the night,” he said in an interview with Sky News.

“I think they’re a well-kept secret, but I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully we’ll be able to sell Australian sport.”

The reaction to the news has been swift and brutal.

“V’Landys is a nice bloke, capable, BUT, WTF does he have to do with Australian International USA relations?” began one of the kinder comments on X.

“What other hangers on did Albanese take to embarrass Australia.”

But most responses firmly suggested V’landys would be wildly out of touch during the incredibly formal occasion.

Could the US president be converted to rugby league? (Photo by JONATHAN ERNST / POOL / AFP)

“How can Peter V’landys attend a State Dinner at the White House? He would have to use a knife and fork,” was one biting response.

“FFS anyone but V’landys, I would even send Blocka,” wrote another, referencing Balmain great Steve “Blocka” Roach.

For a number of users on the platform, they wrote simply: “This is a joke, right?”

In terms of far more formal and important matters, Albanese is taking part in talks over the AUKUS deal and the devastating situation in the Middle East during a four-day trip.

The prime minister invited V’landys to accompany him and the ARLC boss believes “hundreds of millions of dollars” could flow into Australia from the US.

“I think there’s great potential to get Australian sport into the American market,” V’landys said.

“There’s 340 million people in America. We could get hundreds of millions of dollars coming into Australia from people watching our sports in America.

“We need to show them how good (NRL players) are.”

What?
V'Landys is a nice bloke, capable, BUT, WTF does he have to do with Australian International USA relations?
What other hangers on did Albanese take to embarrass Australia
Albanese is such a needy little jerk, he needs anybody, somebody with him?
Australia has no leadership!

— Raymond McKeown (@RyanWil62993886) October 24, 2023

V’landys is reportedly going to return to the US next month for visits to Los Angeles and Las Vegas to continue spreading the word of rugby league.

Allegiant Stadium in Vegas will host the NRL double-header, which is the home of NFL side the Las Vegas Raiders.

ARL commissioner Peter Beattie told The Sydney Morning Herald the current trip was an incredible opportunity for the sport and V’landys is the right man for the job.

“This is a very rare opportunity that he has been afforded and it’s great for rugby league,” Beattie said.

“This is a networking opportunity from the gods. Anyone who is anyone will be there.

“There’s no doubt Peter has the personality that gets him through the door, but it will open up even more doors for the game.”

@AlboMP bringing special guest Peter V’landys to the white house.

A new ‘best mate’ now Alan is out of town? Maybe make some tik-tok videos with him over there…I mean there is not much else you are capable of, at least provide some further humour

— D (@D2076321) October 24, 2023

For Albanese, he reportedly has bigger plans in mind for rugby league and diplomacy in Australia’s region.

The Australian government supports a Papua New Guinea bid to join the NRL and Beattie confirmed V’landys will also be discussing that with Albanese.

While V’landys - who also leads Racing NSW and regularly manages to ruffle the feathers of his Victorian counterparts in racing and the AFL - is renowned for his skills, he paid credit to the PM.

“He’s very smart and can see using soft diplomacy in the Pacific, that’s a great initiative and I take my hat off to him,” V’landys said.

“So I think it’s more than he’s a rugby league fan, I think he sees the potential to strengthen the relationship with our Pacific neighbours.”

Originally published as NRL boss Peter V’landys’ White House visit draws a swift response