A sure sign that the NRL’s venture to the US has been a smash hit is the fact a turf war has erupted between two of the clubs playing in Sunday’s double-header.
Sydney Roosters supremo Nick Politis wants his club back in Las Vegas next year after watching first-hand the hype the historic event has generated. But Manly’s New York-based owner Scott Penn believes the Sea Eagles should be “America’s team”.
Politis was speaking as the Roosters performed their captain’s run at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday (AEDT).
“First of all, everybody knows what a successful brand the Roosters brand is in Australia, and what we stand for as a football team and a club,” Politis said.
“Now it’s time for us to take it to America in a big way if the NRL is serious about what they’re doing – and it appears after everything that’s happened over the last few days, they are. I want to compliment [ARLC chairman] Peter V’landys for the way he’s made things happen. And it will only get bigger. After all, the Roosters are a natural fit. We’ve got the American colours: red white and blue.”
Politis was responding to a claim that Penn made while hosting fans and sponsors at Allegiant Stadium.
James Tedesco takes a selfie with fans at the NRL launch in Las Vegas.Credit: Getty
“We’ve got such an opportunity here,” Penn said. “They love gladiatorial sports. NFL runs until February, and our season goes March-September. It couldn’t be a better time for people who have a bit of NFL depression after the season being over. Our season is perfectly complementary to that. So I think we’ve got a great opportunity.
“I’d love Manly to come back next year. We want to really entrench ourselves here. Obviously, we want to give everyone a fair go, but there needs to be a home team. We’ve put a hand up so we’re happy to be the home team ... America’s team. We’d love to be the American Eagles.”
The two NRL clubs in a turf war to become America’s team
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02.03.2024
A sure sign that the NRL’s venture to the US has been a smash hit is the fact a turf war has erupted between two of the clubs playing in Sunday’s double-header.
Sydney Roosters supremo Nick Politis wants his club back in Las Vegas next year after watching first-hand the hype the historic event has generated. But Manly’s New York-based owner Scott Penn believes the Sea Eagles should be “America’s team”.
Politis was speaking as the Roosters performed their........
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