- Updates from the rugby league double-header in the US
- First kick-off is at 6:30pm PST Saturday/1:30pm AEDT Sunday
- Any thoughts? Email or tweet @LengelDavid
The NRL is in Vegas, which is weird, so it seems like this is as good an opportunity to do things a little different. Manly take on Souths first up at Allegiant Stadium before the Broncos and Roosters square off in the second part of a double-header that aims to bring the game of rugby league to the masses in the US (while coining in loads of gambling cash, obviously). And we thought it was a good idea to force an NFL writer to watch the opening game and give his take on the joys of rugby league, a sport that remains a mystery to so many Stateside. Expect a mix of wonderment, awe, confusion and horror as 26 massive blokes steam into each other in a game of football “but maybe not as you know it”.
David will be with you shortly, before Jonathan, on much more familiar ground, takes over for the second game. In the meantime, here’s Russell Crowe to help first-timers understand what is about to take place: