Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese helped get Reece Walsh and Brandon Smith to Las Vegas

It helps to have friends in high places, and it took the highest office in the country to help get NRL stars Reece Walsh and Brandon Smith to Las Vegas for the historic season opener.

PM Albanese helped Reece Walsh get to Vegas

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has saved the NRL from a public-relations disaster by using his political clout to have Broncos sensation Reece Walsh and Roosters star Brandon Smith cleared to play in Las Vegas.

Walsh officially touched down in Los Angeles with the Broncos on Friday morning (AEST) ahead of the NRL’s historic double header on Sunday week, but the Queensland Origin ace is lucky to be on American soil.

This masthead can reveal Albanese has emerged as the secret weapon in ensuring rugby league’s biggest stars, including Walsh and Smith, were cleared by US visa authorities for the NRL’s historic season kick-off in Sin City.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Picture: Dan Peled/NCA NewsWire

In his only interview on the sport’s Vegas venture, Albanese backed the NRL’s five-year plan to make inroads in the US, lauding the vision of ARLC boss Peter V’landys and CEO Andrew Abdo.

“Las Vegas can be a great success,” Albanese told News Corp.

Brisbane whiz-kid Walsh and Roosters hooker Smith will go head-to-head when their respective sides clash in the second game of the NRL’s double header at Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium to launch the 2024 premiership.

But without the support of Albanese, Walsh and Smith faced being black-listed by American immigration authorities and forced to miss the NRL blockbuster.

A fortnight ago, Walsh and Smith were among at least 12 NRL players and officials required to attend the US Embassy in Sydney for formal interviews on their visa applications due to past off-field indiscretions.

In 2021, Walsh pleaded guilty to cocaine possession on the Gold Coast during his brief stint at the Warriors, while Smith was quizzed over an assault matter.

US Consulate chiefs refused to approve their applications on the spot and escalated Walsh and Smith’s files to the most powerful immigration officials in the United States for a definitive decision.

The Prime Minister’s beloved Rabbitohs will be part of the Las Vegas double-header. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The assessment process traditionally takes two or three weeks, a scenario that could have seen Walsh and Smith miss the Broncos-Roosters season opener in Vegas.

Enter Albanese. It is understood the PM lobbied on behalf of the NRL duo, flexing his political muscle with the support of Australia’s US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy to expedite the applications of Walsh and Smith.

Within 24 hours, the duo had their visas issued, with Albanese expressing his gratitude to American authorities to ensure Walsh – one of the NRL’s most marketable stars – to feature in the Vegas extravaganza.

“It was a good thing that they (Walsh and Smith) were able to go to America,” Albanese said.

“People want to see the best players on the field and the actions of the US Ambassador Kennedy and the US administration … I thank them for doing everything possible to help out.

“The National Rugby League is a great sport and to showcase it to the world is a positive thing and great outcome for Australia.

“I won’t be attending but I will be an enthusiastic watcher of the games on TV.

“I am looking forward to it.”

Walsh’s availability for the Broncos in Vegas is vital.

Reece Walsh playing in Vegas is a huge coup for the Broncos and the NRL. Picture: Richard Walker

The 21-year-old is Brisbane’s most lethal attacking weapon and the pin-up boy’s scratching would have been a crushing blow not only for the Broncos, but the NRL’s hopes of winning over millions of young American sporting fans.

V’landys praised Albanese’s passion for rugby league and his political powers of persuasion to ensure Walsh and Smith’s visas were rubber-stamped.

“We are very appreciative of Anthony Albanese’s support,” V’landys said.

“Everyone knows ‘Albo’ is a fanatical South Sydney supporter, but he went out of his way to assist us in getting other players from other teams across the line.

“Anthony has been fantastic for the NRL, he is a breath of fresh air for rugby league.

“We are very lucky that we have someone of Anthony’s stature behind us in our plans for Vegas.”

In the lead-up to last year’s NRL grand final, V’landys told News Corp 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.

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

Brandon Smith got the green light to travel to Vegas. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Walsh’s Broncos and Smith’s Roosters will spend a week in camp in Los Angeles before the teams shift to Vegas next Thursday to prepare for the round 1 clash.

More than 28,000 tickets have been sold to the Vegas double header and Albanese believes Broncos fullback Walsh can win the hearts and minds of curious American fans.

“Reece Walsh has an incredible future in the game,” Albanese said.

“At the end of last year, Walsh and Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle’s Dally M Medallist) were unstoppable and that’s what brings fans to games and inspires young people as well.

“They are great athletes and it will be magnificent to see Reece Walsh on the international stage in Las Vegas.

“It’s a terrific idea to host a double-header in Vegas. It will expose the American public and the rest of the world to the great sport that is rugby league.

“That’s good for Australia and good for our economy as well.”

Originally published as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese helped get Reece Walsh and Brandon Smith to Las Vegas