Viva, Las Vegas.
This is the first look at the state-of-the-art $6.7 billion mega resort NRL players will call home when rugby league launches the 2024 season in Las Vegas.
Billed as the most expensive hotel-casino ever built in Nevada, Resorts World Las Vegas consists of three hotels, 3,500 rooms, nine pools and a smorgasbord or restaurants and shopping.
Situated in the heart of Sin City at the northern end of the world-famous strip, the five-star resort also consists of a 4,700-seat theatre where headline acts including Katy Perry and Celine Dion have featured.
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This will be the venue where players from the Sydney Roosters, Brisbane Broncos, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Manly Sea Eagles are staying once they officially touch down in Las Vegas to launch the 2024 NRL season.
DRAGONS STATE THEIR CASE TO AFB
The Dragons have ramped up their $3 million bid to try and sign Dally M prop of the year Addin Fonua-Blake for 2025.
Fonua-Blake, 28, is currently holidaying in Bali after representing Tonga in the Mate Ma’a’s Test match series against England in the UK.
Widely-regarded as one of the best front row forwards in the NRL Fonua-Blake dropped a bombshell last week when the gun frontrower requested an immediate release from the Warriors on compassionate grounds.
The reasoning for the request is to be closer to his parents who reside in Sydney.
With St George Illawarra in the midst of a major shake-up since the arrival of new coach Shane Flanagan the Dragons have immediately set about pitching to Fonua-Blake why he should join the Red V.
TIME’S UP FOR TEDDY
It’s time for Kangaroos captain James Tedesco to make the tough decision and retire from representative football.
At his best Tedesco was almost on par with Billy Slater and Greg Inglis as one of the greatest fullback’s of the modern generation.
But after a lacklustre opening two games for NSW in this year’s State of Origin series and then the Kangaroos Pacific Nations final performance it’s become blatantly clear the no.1 needs to channel all his energy into the Sydney Roosters.
MAGUIRE NSW APPOINTMENT IMMINENT
Victorious Kiwis coach Michael Maguire is tipped to be appointed as the new NSW Blues coach any day now.
The sticking point is the NSW Rugby League were initially pushing for a one-year deal whereas Maguire is asking for a two-year contract.
Maguire has already spoken to Brisbane Broncos assistant coach and champion Blues and Panthers forward John Cartwright about being one of his right hand men.
MAL SET FOR NEW DEAL DESPITE PACIFIC FLOP
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga will be offered a two-year contract extension despite Australia’s shock loss to the Kiwis in the Pacific Nations final.
The 13th Immortal is still the right man for the job given Meninga has won 23 out of 27 Test matches since taking over the highest coaching office in the game in 2016.