Joey Manu channeled Patrick Mahomes, Ruben Garrick performed his best Rob Gronkowski impersonation and 40,706 fans witnessed the NRL's historic foray into Las Vegas.
After the most exciting night of football's regular season this century, the NRL has declared victory in its first Las Vegas adventure.
There were early signs of success, with NRL officials saying more than half of the crowd at Allegiant Stadium came from outside Australia and England.
And even though some behind the press box at Allegiant Stadium were left labeling the match they witnessed as “savage,” locals were left with a quality match. I was able to watch the game.
As Manly racked up 36 points against South Sydney, Garrick celebrated with a pre-planned “Gronk Spikes”, expecting a cheer from the legendary NFL tight end.
The play of the day belonged to Manu, who produced a wild no-look flick pass that put winger Fetaraiga Pauga on the right flank and helped the Roosters to a 20-10 win over Brisbane.
Manu's move occurred in roughly the same spot where Kansas City quarterback Mahomes threw the winning pass of the Super Bowl to Mecole Hardman in overtime a little less than three weeks ago.
“I had no idea it was a corner,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson quipped.
“But Joey Manu, he was here to play tonight.
“I love when we can show off that skill. Joey is one of those guys who can do that and get it done.”
Strong winds were blowing outside the stadium, which earlier saw an NRL tailgating party called off and a portaloo knocked over and blown onto the road.
Then, due to delays in college basketball games, the start of the opening game was not shown on Fox Sports 1 in the United States.
But at least the NRL hopes this hitch will actually continue to provide viewers with NRL sightings, and one of the first sighted was of Lachlan running down a flying Jason Saab on the wing.・It was the Iliad.
National television ratings to be released in the coming days will be the biggest indicator of success for the league, which has a five-year deal to return to Las Vegas. The league wants to have an impact on the grounds and bring in money through games. gambling transactions.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo told AAP: “It was a good day. It's a relief just to see it all come to fruition.”
“We've seen some great football, we've got some happy fans, we've got a lot of people who are traveling and having a good time.
“And the important thing is there are some Americans who came to watch rugby league, and hopefully a large number of people across the country will be watching on TV.”
Importantly, players and clubs also expressed support for the move.
Garrick described the experience as one of the highlights of his career, but Cameron Murray described the atmosphere as falling just short of State of Origin standards.
Both Manly and the Roosters winners are set to make their case for a return next season as the NRL considers how best to rotate the game's new marquee event.
But there could be a positive side to Brisbane and the Rabbitohs.
“Growing up, our dream is to play in the NRL,” Murray said.
“That dream is usually kept at home. Being able to show our game around the world is something we never dreamed of when we were kids.
“There are many moments when I find myself in a pinch, where I look up into the bright lights and find myself on the other side of the world, living out my childhood dreams in America, the entertainment capital of the world. did.”
