Las Vegas is buzzing with anticipation for the historic NRL double-header this weekend, but the arrival wasn’t without a scare for former NRL star Chad Townsend. The premiership winner experienced a medical episode on a flight to the US, requiring assistance from fellow passengers before landing. Townsend, 35, assured fans he’s recovering well, though shaken by the incident, and is looking forward to enjoying the festivities.
The incident occurred while Townsend was en route to Las Vegas for the NRL’s inaugural foray into the American market. The Sharks legend, who won a premiership with Cronulla in 2016, was heading to the city to take in the games and reconnect with former teammates. He emphasized he hadn’t been drinking on the flight, stating, “I don’t want to touch a drop of alcohol right now,” according to reports from Fox Sports Australia.
Bulldogs Fans to Produce a Statement in Las Vegas
The excitement surrounding the NRL’s Las Vegas debut extends beyond the players. The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are planning a significant present of support, with a march to Allegiant Stadium led by club legends James Graham, Terry Lamb, and Josh Reynolds. The march, complete with a marching band, will start at Mandalay Bay hotel, demonstrating the passion of the Bulldogs’ fanbase.
Matt Burton and the Bulldogs are preparing to face the Dragons.Credit: Getty Images
James Graham, who has commitments with Triple M, made it clear his allegiance lies with the Bulldogs. “I really enjoyed my time at the Dragons; it was fantastic, but I’m very much proud to be a Bulldog,” he said. The Bulldogs’ Viliame Kikau is similarly drawing attention, having recently revived his signature bleached mohawk hairstyle.
Betting Markets Still Adjusting to the NRL in Las Vegas
The NRL’s expansion into the Las Vegas market included the hope of tapping into the city’s robust sports betting scene. However, according to ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys, betting activity on the games has been slower than anticipated. V’landys explained that while Americans can legally bet on rugby league through platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings, these bookmakers haven’t yet heavily promoted the games. He noted the Super Bowl generated $26 billion in turnover, and even a small fraction of that on NRL games would be a significant success.
NFL Connection: Jordan Mailata’s Pre-Game Rituals
The presence of Australian NFL star Jordan Mailata, a defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, adds another layer of interest to the Las Vegas sporting scene. Thomas Booker IV, a defensive tackle for the Las Vegas Raiders who previously played with Mailata, shared a glimpse into his teammate’s unique pre-practice routine. “Jordan is a man of many, many talents, and before practice, he would sit there and sing – and he has a voice,” Booker said. Mailata’s musical talents even extended to a memorable appearance on season seven of The Masked Singer in the US.
Commissioners and Players Enjoying the Las Vegas Atmosphere
Several key figures from the NRL are in Las Vegas, including former Queensland premier and current ARL Commissioner Peter Beattie, alongside fellow commissioners Megan Davis and Tony McGrath. They were spotted enjoying a morning swim at Resorts World, along with Bulldogs players Jacob Kiraz and Bailey Hayward. The presence of these officials underscores the NRL’s commitment to establishing a foothold in the American market.
The NRL’s Las Vegas debut represents a significant step in the league’s global ambitions. While Chad Townsend’s mid-flight health scare served as an early reminder of the challenges of international travel, the enthusiasm surrounding the event remains high. The games this weekend, and the associated events like the Bulldogs’ fan march, are poised to showcase the excitement of the NRL to a latest audience.
The focus now shifts to the games themselves, with the Raiders facing the Warriors on March 2nd, followed by the Panthers versus the Sharks. Further updates on the NRL’s Las Vegas venture, including betting trends and fan engagement, are expected in the coming days.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a medical emergency, please seek immediate medical attention.
What are your thoughts on the NRL’s expansion into the US market? Share your comments below and let us know what you think!
