Albo a no-show
The last time Prime Minister Anthony Albanese travelled to the United States, he took ARLC boss Peter V’landys with him and managed to get him on the guest list for a state dinner at the White House. V’landys rubbed shoulders with American president Joe Biden on the night.
Peter V’landys at a White House dinner in October.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
The NRL tried to return the favour for the match in Las Vegas but the Prime Minister is well aware of the negative publicity a trip to America to watch rugby league will have at the moment.
He has kindly rejected the invitation.
Rabbitohs wait on luggage after Sydney deluge
The severe storm in Sydney on Monday afternoon is still causing havoc for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The storm struck Sydney just before the first of the Rabbitohs’ two groups were due to fly out for Los Angeles via Nadi. Their flight was delayed almost two-and-a-half hours, but that was the least of their concerns.
South Sydney players in business class on their way to Los Angeles.Credit: South Sydney Rabbitohs
Airline staff informed the Rabbitohs that the baggage crew would not be able to get most of the players’ luggage onto the plane in time and they would either have to wait a night in Nadi to get their bags, or spend a night in the United States without it.
NRL bosses, who recently secured a commercial partnership with Fiji Airways, were in contact with the airline to ensure minimal disruption and inconvenience for the players.
The Rabbitohs decided against staying in Nadi and took their connecting flight to Los Angeles, where a bus was waiting for them to drive the staff and players on a two-hour trip to San Diego. They will be based in the town of La Jolla for nine days.
Jai Arrow takes his clothes off to take a swim in the Pacific Ocean.Credit: South Sydney Rabbitohs
Their luggage will arrive on the same plane as the second group of players, which includes Latrell Mitchell and Tom Burgess.
Before the second group arrived, the players braved the uncharacteristic cold and wet conditions at the local beach. Only Jai Arrow was brave enough to jump in. Others, like Walker, didn’t have a change of clothes and opted against the morning swim.
Tokyo drift
South Sydney star recruit Jack Wighton and boom rookie Tallis Duncan drew the short straw when it came to their flights to America.
While the rest of their teammates arrived on US soil via Nadi, Wighton and Duncan made the journey from Sydney to San Diego via Tokyo.
The NRL would only pay for 22 players. South Sydney wanted to take 24 and saved $20,000 in business class flights by sending their extra two via Tokyo instead of with their teammates on Fiji Airways.
Wighton won’t play in Vegas due to suspension but Duncan is a chance of earning a spot on the bench.
Camp Murray welcomes new arrival
There’s one notable absentee in San Diego, where the Rabbitohs have gathered for their nine-day camp in the nation’s south-west.
Skipper Cameron Murray won’t be joining the team in America until Saturday. He’s been given extra time at home to spend with his partner Miranda Cross following the birth of the couple’s first child, Avalon Georgia Murray, last week.
Cameron Murray with his partner Miranda and the couple’s first child, Avalon Georgia Murray.
“He’ll get over on the weekend,” Demetriou said of his captain. “It’s important for him to spend a few days at home with Miranda and Avalon. We’re excited to get the skip here on the weekend.”
Rabbitohs wait on Walker
Sunday is looming as D-Day for injured South Sydney star Cody Walker. The veteran playmaker was forced to withdraw from last week’s All Stars game after picking up a low-grade calf strain in an opposed session.
The club will allow him a week to prove his fitness. “He ran yesterday, he’ll run again tomorrow and Friday,” Demetriou said. “We’re hoping he will get the all-clear by Sunday and join the team next week. Fingers crossed.”
“We wouldn’t have brought him if he wasn’t a big chance of playing. I’m confident he will play. If he doesn’t, we’ll move on.”
Dean Hawkins has been brought over as cover and will play five-eighth alongside Lachlan Ilias in the halves if Walker struggles to overcome the calf injury in time for the game.
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The Rabbitohs are staying in the luxurious town of La Jolla near the Mexican border in the same hotel as the Brazilian national women’s football team.
The Brazilian women’s team are in San Diego for the group matches of the 2024 CONCACAF women’s Gold Cup. They take on Puerto Rico at the 35,000-seat Snapdragon Stadium on Wednesday night.
Vegas ticket sales pass 30,000
The NRL passed a significant milestone on Tuesday, eclipsing 30,000 tickets sold for the match in Las Vegas on March 3.