Retired rugby league icon Aaron Woods is making waves in the United States as he promotes next month’s NRL fixtures in Las Vegas. The highly anticipated double-header at Allegiant Stadium is set to kick off the 2025 NRL season on March 2, alongside a women’s Test match and a Super League encounter.
Recently, Woods attended the Daytona 500, where he experienced an unexpected encounter with Donald Trump’s Secret Service. While participating in a promotion for the NRL during Trump’s presence at the event, Woods and his team were stopped by security due to a rugby league ball featuring Trump’s name. The Secret Service wouldn’t allow the ball into the venue, suspecting it could be hazardous, prompting amusing banter and a thorough pat down for Woods before he was finally granted entry with the ball.
Woods, who made his NRL debut in 2011 with the Wests Tigers, is relishing his role as an ambassador for rugby league while touring the States. He notably made an appearance at WWE Raw, where he was recognised by commentator Michael Cole, further showcasing his celebrity status in the sporting world.