We spoke with Hull KR CEO Paul Lakin in Las Vegas on a range of subjects.
Las Vegas Fan Hub launch at Resorts World with all six captains and a huge crowd.
Hull KR CEO Paul Lakin addressed the media in Las Vegas amid an action-packed schedule for rugby league. Wednesday launched the official fan hub at Resorts World, while Thursday saw an epic event at Fremont Street that was dominated by Rovers and Leeds Rhinos support.
Lakin has already discussed the financial side behind the trip to Sin City, as well as backing Willie Peters for England amid NRL comments.
Here’s what else the CEO had to say this week.
An incredible few days so far, how have you found it?
PL: Coming out here as world champions, we need to put on a show and let’s hope we do that. It is like home from home in certain quarters here with all our fans. It’s an incredible atmosphere, and it’s really built up from Wednesday. We’re looking forward to it.
A great event to head into on the back of a historic World Club Challenge victory last week over Brisbane Broncos?
PL: It was an evening none of us will forget. It was unbelievable for our sport and Super League. As an event, it was an incredible one. Then we literally jumped on a plane and we’re here. We always knew we had a crazy schedule, so it helped so much that we won and we carry that positivity through to this week. We’ve settled in nicely.
Have you been to Allegiant Stadium before?
PL: I haven’t, and I’m a really big NFL fan. I’ve been to three stadiums, and this will be my fourth. I haven’t been to Las Vegas either – it’s wild. We’re embracing it. We came on Sunday, and we’ve settled in now. The first 24 hours were a little bit difficult, and we had a really good training session against North Queensland Cowboys on Wednesday. Both sides looked good.
Even after last week’s win over Brisbane Broncos, Neil Hudgell explained that it was straight back to business for you and head coach Willie Peters?
PL: It was the biggest night in the club’s history, but both myself and Willie were worried about our injuries. We literally just talked about that next game, we’re both like that.
Speaking of injuries, Dean Hadley has made a remarkable recovery with every chance he’ll play Saturday?
PL: He’s incredible. He’s the epitome of what Hull KR stand for. World class effort, and you’d want him in the trenches every day of the week. He’s looking fine.
On the subject of world class, just a comment on Jez Litten and his rise over the last 12 months or so?
PL: Jez won’t mind me saying this – he’s come on so much in the last year. More than anything, his confidence. He’s always had it, but maybe lacked a bit of that. This last year, he’s killed it. He’s our England number nine, he’s everything we stand for and a top player.
Hull KR in Las Vegas in association with Hanson Electrical.