Cronulla Sharks returned from their Las Vegas adventure without a win, having lost to the Panthers 28-22 in a competitive match on Sunday afternoon (AEDT). Despite the setback on the field, their experience off the field was a highlight, as two of their players, Nicho Hynes and Kayal Iro, had the chance to meet pop superstar Katy Perry at the SiriusXM studio during their trip.
During a popular morning show segment, Hynes and Iro introduced themselves as Sharks players to Perry, who was visibly impressed by the physicality of rugby league. Hynes gifted her a signed jersey from the club, further solidifying their encounter. Perry, who had previously performed at the AFL grand final, marvelled at the toughness of the sport, saying, “Can I say, rugby is really primal…There was a gentleman who had his head stapled and played again. He’s an icon. You guys are badasses. You are the Sharks that I want to see.”
In an exciting twist, Perry extended an invitation to Hynes and Iro to attend her shows when she tours Australia in June, playfully suggesting that one of them could don a shark costume—an allusion to her famous Super Bowl appearance.
The weekend in Las Vegas also attracted other major music stars, including T-Pain and Fisher, who participated in post-game festivities, showcasing the growing intersection between sports and entertainment. While the Sharks may not have achieved victory on the field, their interactions with Perry and the entertainment scene underscores the cultural crossover and appeal of rugby league.