V'landys invites Trump to NRL season opener in Las Vegas

Peter V'landys, chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, has invited President Donald Trump to attend the NRL season opener in Las Vegas on March 2, believing his presence would generate substantial publicity for the league. V'landys emphasized that Trump's attendance could be a 'real honour' and potentially worth millions in publicity, noting Trump's strong ties to Las Vegas and the UFC. This year’s event will feature additional matches compared to last year, aiming to attract fans from Australia, New Zealand, and England. V'landys previously invited former President Joe Biden to the inaugural 2024 event, but he was unable to attend. Trump, a known fan of combat sports, has a favorable relationship with UFC President Dana White, which may facilitate his attendance. The NRL is optimistic about enhancing its profile in the U.S. market through such high-profile events.