Las Vegas is known for its glitz, glamour and non-stop entertainment. But not many events – even in Sin City – could compare to rugby league ’s Fremont Street takeover.
Around 16,000 supporters descended on the five-block district to cheer on their teams – and from the outset it was clear who had brought the loudest and most passionate following.
“To take over Las Vegas takes some doing, but we’ve done it.” Those were the words – more shouted than said – by Sky Sports presenter Brian Carney, his voice battling to rise above the thunderous backing of Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR on Fremont Street.
“It’s bigger and better than last year. I’ll tell you who’s dominating – Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos. They’re the only ones you can hear.”
It was chaotic. It was epic. It was pure entertainment. Super League’s stars were treated like celebrities on Fremont Street, taking to the stage and addressing the crowd.
Ryan Hall led the “Marching on Together” chant. Joe Burgess – as always – was a character, sporting a gold chain, while Andy Bell, frontman of Erasure, led Hull KR’s official anthem.
Ash Handley said other captains envied Super League’s travelling support – and that sentiment felt justified when superstar Kalyn Ponga attempted to rally Newcastle Knights fans. It was spirited, but it paled in comparison to their northern hemisphere counterparts.
On stage, Barrie McDermott declared: “We’re not here to take part, we’re here to take over.” Super League certainly lived up to that billing.
“It’s the craziest thing I’ve ever done,” said Jez Litten. Fitting, perhaps, that a player at the top of his game – and quite literally on top of the world – is about to step onto one of the sport’s biggest stages.
The NRL’s superstars do deserve credit for embracing the occasion. It’s not every day you see $10 million man Jason Taumalolo dancing on the big stage, Jake Clifford breaking out the “Teach Me How to Dougie”, and Greg Marzhew producing a stunning backflip. The NRL’s biggest names know how to put on a show.
24 hours earlier, on Wednesday evening, media were invited to a penthouse event hosted by Fox Sports. Some of the game’s biggest names were in attendance, including NRL supremo Peter V’landys and legends such as Cooper Cronk, Braith Anasta, Matty Johns, Mick Ennis, Bryan Fletcher and Nathan Hindmarsh.
It was an evening celebrating the hard work behind making Vegas a success, with Super League given due credit. Hull KR chairman Paul Sewell admitted he was taken aback by how accommodating the NRL’s leadership had been.
Rugby league great Johns shared stories from his day with UFC president Dana White, as NRL and Super League sides trained at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas. White – whose estimated net worth exceeds $600 million – was notably welcoming to his Australian guests.
A 24-hour period that will never be forgotten.