Why President Trump's attendance at Las Vegas season opener would “validate” NRL's foray into America

SEN’s Andrew Voss believes it is imperative for US President Donald Trump to attend the upcoming NRL season opener at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Australian Rugby League (ARL) Commissioner Peter V’landys has formally invited the 47th President in a video which aired on Fox News in America, asking Trump to witness the “toughest game on earth”.

V’landys even discussed Australia’s trade surplus to the United States in attempt to entice the President to catch one of the matches.

Whilst Voss acknowledged that President Trump’s attendance was a long shot, he argued that a big name being seen at the Las Vegas showcase would legitimise the NRL’s foray into America.

“Do we need him there? Yeah, it’d be good,” Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“I would like the President to be there because it would create more headlines.

“We just want to get him up there and get that (camera) shot of him.

“It’s all about getting the President there and getting the photo opportunity. That’s it. It’s all we need.

“Trump only needs to rock up for about half an hour. We don’t need him to be there for the whole time and understand the game.

“Any A-Lister that we get there, put them up (on the big screen).

“I’m being serious here. We do need to go after the A-Lister and I know that it’s a big bell and whistle but you are talking about the (President).

“There is a section of America that would validate the event. People don’t know anything about (rugby league) but they see a photo that says ‘she went or he went or it’s the President.’

“They would then think that (rugby league in Vegas) must be important.

“There has to be a push for that and we’ll have our fun with it but that’s part of it and it’s part of Vegas.”

In his first three weeks of his second administration, President Trump became the first sitting US President to attend the Super Bowl and recently attended the Daytona 500 NASCAR race in Florida.

The 2025 Las Vegas season opener on March 2 will feature four matches including two NRL matches, a Super League match and a women’s international.