NRL's successful season kickoff in Las Vegas proves doubters wrong, drives TV audiences, and attracts fans.
LAS VEGAS: Anyone who thought this concept was going to be a flop has got egg on their face, with the NRL's decision to kick off its season in Sin City paying handsome dividends in year two.
The game's lofty goal of finding a foothold in America may still be a pipe dream, but does that really matter if the Vegas venture continues to drive massive TV audiences back home and fans have a bucket list item to tick off by making the pilgrimage?
Speaking on 2GB's Continuous Call Team as he watched the Jillaroos spanking England from the radio broadcast box in the incredible $1.9 billion (USD) Allegiant Stadium, ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys said this was an event that "can't be matched" and in the context of an annual Australian sporting event that's not an outrageous statement.