Roy Keane, famed for his formidable presence on the football pitch, has expressed his support for rugby league players as they embark on an exciting venture in Las Vegas this weekend. The former Manchester United captain, known for his aggressive playing style, has been following the early matches of the Super League and is pleased to see rugby league gaining international attention.
As the Warrington Wolves prepare to face the Wigan Warriors in the NRL’s second foray into Sin City, a number of sports figures are voicing their backing for this ambitious expansion. Keane spoke to Sky Sports, lavishing praise on the English rugby league players and acknowledging their toughness. He stated, “It’s fantastic. The league started a week or two ago, I’ve watched a couple of the games. They’re proper hard players, so maybe they deserve that little bit of publicity. Good on them, they’re spreading the word.”
Micah Richards, a fellow ex-player now turned pundit, also showed enthusiasm for the Las Vegas venture, indicating he would be keen to participate in a future Super Sunday event if his team, Leeds, were involved. His excitement for the prospect highlights the growing interest in rugby league beyond Australia and the UK.
Last year’s NRL games in Vegas attracted impressive crowds, paving the way for an even bigger event this year with four matches scheduled. The weekend will start with Warrington playing against Wigan, and will feature the Canberra Raiders beginning their 2025 season against the New Zealand Warriors. Additionally, England’s national team will take on the Jillaroos, followed by the reigning NRL champions, Penrith, competing against the Sharks in a marquee matchup.
This heightened profile for rugby league in an iconic city like Las Vegas marks a significant step in promoting the sport on a global stage. The excitement surrounding these matches suggests a bright future for rugby league as it seeks to expand its reach and fanbase.