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11 months ago
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Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds, veteran Sea Eagles prop Aaron Woods and Rabbitohs centre Campbell Graham are firming to be three of the NRL's ambassadors ahead of the code's historic Las Vegas double header in March.
The Roosters still need to name their player representative for Sin City, with Manly tackling South Sydney (March 3, 1.30pm, AEDT) before Brisbane take on the Tricolours (March 3, 3.30pm, AEDT) at Allegiant Stadium.
And while the NRL is yet to officially rubber-stamp the quartet of ambassadors, Reynolds, Woods and Graham were all put forward by their respective clubs.
Woods is sure to be regarded as a surprising choice by fans, given the 32-year-old is at the tail end of his career and only played 15 games for the club last season.
However, Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov labelled the prop the 'ideal person to represent the club' while Rabbitohs counterpart Blake Solly described outside back Campbell as 'intelligent and articulate'.
It is also understood Broncos officials are happy for Reynolds to head to the US, despite previously stating lock forward Pat Carrigan was their initial choice ahead of pin up fullback and fan favourite Reece Walsh.
The four ambassadors will participate in a number of promotions in America from December 9-15, in a bid to generate interest and ticket sales.
Sea Eagles prop Aaron Woods is firming to be one of the NRL's ambassadors ahead of the code's historic Las Vegas double header in March
Broncos officials are reportedly happy for Adam Reynolds to head to the US, despite previously stating lock forward Pat Carrigan was their initial choice ahead of Reece Walsh
On the itinerary is attending the LA Raiders v Minnesota Vikings NFL game on December 10, a media event at Allegiant Stadium two days later as well as other promotional opportunities, potentially in venues such as Los Angeles and Utah.
In a major coup for the NRL, the double header in March will be shown in prime time in the US via the Fox network.
It poses as a priceless opportunity for the sport to attract new fans, and will also mark the first time NRL matches have been staged outside of Australia or New Zealand.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, close to 15,000 tickets have been sold to the double-header in Las Vegas.
The NRL hope to fill the 65,000-seat stadium, and are tipped to call on South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe and Hollywood star Hugh Jackman - a Sea Eagles tragic - to further promote the bold sporting venture.
The NRL is hoping Allegiant Stadium - the home ground of the Las Vegas Raiders NFL team - will be a sellout for the history-making double header
It comes as footy supremo Peter V'Landys recently confirmed the NRL is committed to playing annual fixtures in Sin City until at least 2028, if not beyond
Footy supremo Peter V'Landys also recently confirmed the NRL is committed to playing annual fixtures in Sin City until at least 2028, if not beyond.
A primary aim is to tap into the lucrative gambling market in the US, which could generate the code millions of dollars in revenue.
'We have set ourselves five years and if the results aren't there in five, we will re-assess, but I know we have the best game in the world,' V'Landys said.
'There is no game like rugby league. It's got everything.'
Back in August of 1987, an exhibition State of Origin match was staged in Long Beach, California as rugby league looked to go global.
NSW beat Queensland 30-18, in front of an estimated 12,000 plus fans.
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