Viva Las Sevens: The NRL’s New Sin City Dilemma

Sport NRL NRL 2023

Only in Vegas: Why USA Sevens is posing fresh headaches for NRL and clubs

By Christian Nicolussi

October 14, 2023 — 7.30pm

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The chief executives of the four clubs set to travel to Las Vegas have called for an urgent meeting with the NRL this week due to growing concerns about the lack of training venues and adequate medical insurance.

Logistical Challenges for NRL

The NRL is facing logistical challenges ahead of rugby league’s historic season launch in the US. Clubs have only just realized this week that they will be competing for suitable training venues with rugby teams in Los Angeles for the USA Sevens, which is scheduled for the same weekend.

The Broncos have secured the home of the NFL’s LA Rams as their training base, while Manly is expected to use the University of Nevada. South Sydney and the Sydney Roosters, however, are still searching for appropriate venues on the west coast.

One potential option, Dignity Health Sports Park, has already been booked out by the rugby organizers for up to two weeks before the event. The Rabbitohs are even considering training in San Diego, which is more than 500 kilometers away from Las Vegas, in order to secure a venue without synthetic grass.

The lack of available training venues in Vegas itself, coupled with concerns about the excessive party culture in the city, raise concerns for the clubs about the well-being and preparation of their players.

Furthermore, insurance issues have emerged, with at least one club doctor refusing to fly to America until appropriate medical indemnity insurance is in place. There are also questions about who will bear the financial responsibility if a player suffers a serious injury or concussion during the March 3 fixtures at Allegiant Stadium and is forced to stay behind in the US, where medical expenses are significantly higher than in Australia.

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Club Meeting with NRL CEO

Several club sources, speaking anonymously, have revealed that they have called for a meeting with NRL CEO Andrew Abdo to address these concerns and seek clarity on the matter. The NRL has claimed that the meeting was already scheduled, but the clubs dispute this.

The clubs are eager to ensure that all the necessary details are confirmed well in advance, in order to make the historic Vegas matches the success they deserve to be.

Competition with USA Sevens

Another unexpected issue that has emerged for the NRL is the competition with the USA Sevens, a rugby event that is expected to attract about 50,000 fans during the same weekend. Despite being in a different state, the USA Sevens will still be vying for exposure in the region, potentially diverting attention and fans away from the NRL matches.

The clash with the USA Sevens adds another layer of complexity to the NRL‘s venture into the American market and underscores the challenges of expanding a sport’s reach in a highly competitive market.

Mitchell Pearce’s Retirement Decision

Meanwhile, Mitchell Pearce, a prominent NRL player, is preparing to play his last game in the Super League final. Pearce had the option to return to the NRL but has decided to retire from the sport altogether.

Pearce has endorsed his halves partner, Tyrone May, as a talented player who deserves another chance in the NRL. May, who has had off-field issues in the past, is currently signed with Hull KR for the next two seasons and hopes to play alongside his brothers, who are off contract at the end of 2024 with the Sydney Roosters and Penrith Panthers respectively.

Pearce believes that May’s loyalty, skills, and professionalism make him a valuable asset for any NRL club, especially considering the limited availability of quality halves players in the market.

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Editorial and Advice

The NRL‘s decision to launch its season in the US is undoubtedly a bold move that reflects the league’s ambition to expand its global presence. However, as with any ambitious endeavor, there are bound to be challenges and unexpected hurdles to overcome.

The current concerns about training venues, medical insurance, and competition with the USA Sevens highlight the complexities involved in organizing such a groundbreaking event. It is crucial for the NRL and the clubs to address these challenges promptly and find satisfactory solutions that prioritize the well-being of the players and the success of the matches.

While it is understandable that the NRL wants to tap into the American market and showcase the sport to a broader audience, careful planning and coordination with other sporting events in the region is necessary to avoid conflicts and ensure maximum exposure for the NRL matches.

Additionally, the NRL should work closely with the clubs and relevant insurance providers to establish comprehensive medical indemnity insurance coverage for the players. This is crucial to protect the players from any potential financial burden in case of injuries or medical emergencies during the overseas fixtures.

The NRL must also address the concerns raised by club doctors and ensure that all necessary precautions are in place to guarantee the players’ health and well-being during their time in the US. This includes providing suitable training venues and minimizing the distractions that the vibrant Las Vegas city can pose to professional athletes.

As the NRL continues to explore new markets and expand its footprint, it is essential for the league to maintain open lines of communication with the clubs and all stakeholders involved. Transparency, collaboration, and careful planning will be key to overcoming the current challenges and ensuring the long-term success of the NRL‘s international ventures.