The Manly Sea Eagles have made NRL history becoming the first side to register a win at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas after a 36-24 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Sunday afternoon.
In the first of a historic double header in the USA being broadcasted out to millions of homes across the country on FS1, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the NRL.
However, the Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs put on a magnificent display, sharing 11 tries and putting their bodies on the line in their Vegas debut.
After falling behind early in the game, Souths stunningly opened the scoring with their first crack at the line. It was Ritchie Kennar who put his name in the history books with the first try at Allegiant Stadium as he pinned his ears back and found the corner.
Manly were quick to answer back after several attempts in front of the Rabbitohs’ line, as Hamole Olakau'atu crashed over his opposing number.
28-year-old debutant Jacob Gagai stole the headlines with a try moments later, but Jason Saab’s breakaway try in the 37th minute ensured Manly went into the break with the lead.
It was an impressive first half from both sides with plenty of explosive action combined with sensational athleticism that would’ve left a mark on the US market watching on FS1.
The action went to another level in the second half with four tries within ten minutes. Latrell Mitchell started off the try scoring before Lachlan Croker and Ben Trbojevic fired Manly back in the lead.
Alex Johnston put Souths within reaching distance but two late strikes by Reuben Garrick and Luke Brooks put the result beyond doubt.
Ritchie Kennar’s try in the 78th minute was nothing but a consolation for the Rabbitohs who were left stunned at the second half blitz from the Sea Eagles.