Robert “Bojo” Ackah, a Nevada native, got his first taste of rugby league at Allegiant Stadium. Thoughts?
“It’s fast, it’s hard hitting,” Ackah said. “I feel like these guys are really a bit out of their mind, but at the same time these guys are very athletic and skilled.
“I appreciate the hard hits, the speed. What I noticed is the ball skills that they have, I’m a soccer guy.
“So I appreciate the skills of the ball as well because when they have the … goalkickers, the accuracy. I appreciate the game.”
After one-and-a-half games of NRL, it was time for Las Vegas vox pops. The task was to find American punters – not an easy one, given the number of travelling Australians – at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday (US time) to get their first impressions of the Greatest Game of All.
All of them were hooked.
James Tedesco takes a catch under pressure from Reece Walsh.Credit: Getty
There was the Las Vegas Raiders fan who sat in the same seat where he watches every home game.
“These guys make the NFL look soft,” he said.
Deborah, dressed in Manly attire, made the trip from Connecticut. She watched the game with a group of friends, a mixture of locals and travelling Sea Eagles supporters.
“It’s a lot faster than any American sport, a version of basketball or football,” Deborah said. “We love it.”
Her friend, Leanne, went further.
“The best, I’m obsessed with it,” she said. “It’s a bit intense, the injuries don’t matter, but I love it.”
Ben felt the trip from New York was worth it.
“It’s been amazing, it’s like a combination of football, soccer,” he said. “I’ve never really watched the sport but had an awesome time. I hope they do it every year. I will be back for sure.”
Vegas resident Antwon brought his family to the game.
The NRL’s Las Vegas venture was a hit with American punters.Credit: NRL Photos
“I will be back, it was great,” he said. “Just trying to learn the game was pretty cool.
“I like the sport. Just the hitting, playing without American football pads and the way you score and the pretty nice hits.”
Antwon’s son, Antwon jnr, added: “Just how physical it is, I like that, that’s definitely my favourite part.
“And you see how different it is from American football, it’s very interesting.
“It was continuous, I’m waiting for the second quarter, but it’s just two halves. Someone gets hurt and you just keep going, that definitely shocked me.”
Adrian Proszenko’s trip to Las Vegas was funded by the NRL.
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