'Grand final on steroids': 10K fan turnout primes stars to light up Vegas

“This feels like a grand final on steroids. It is pretty crazy.”

Nathan Cleary has played in five consecutive NRL grand finals, two World Club Challenges and a World Cup final at Old Trafford but he said none compared to the atmosphere in Las Vegas as 10,000 fans took over the Fremont Street Experience.

“I think the mixture of fans has been pretty cool, as well,” Cleary said. “The English fans bring a great atmosphere.”

His father and coach Ivan Cleary said: “I was actually getting butterflies walking up the stairs. It is a sensory overload tonight, it is amazing."  

The 2024 NRL fan fest in Vegas had been described by players and veteran club CEOs as one of the best rugby league events they had experienced but this year’s launch was bigger and the stars put on a show.

Jillaroos and Wests Tigers prop Sarah Togatuki set the standard for the teams that followed – Cronulla and Penrith – when she accepted a challenge on behalf of the Australian from their English rivals.

Eels recruit Paige Travis had danced her way on to the stage as she was introduced to the crowd and Togatuki responded with a spectacular breakdancing performance.

Cronulla’s Braydon Trindall and Will Kennedy were next to show off their moves before Penrith star Brian To’o appeared to dispel concerns about his injured hamstring when he danced on stage.

“I was pretty shellshocked how they got me up the front to dance but it was unbelievable to do it in front of a crowd like this, all footy fans, was amazing,” Trindall said.

“For all of the fans to get out and support us has been awesome.”

Jillaroos star Isabelle Kelly said: “That was incredible, it’s up there with one of the highlights of my career. We haven’t even played yet and the atmosphere and the energy is just so surreal, so it is cool”.

Test, Origin and club team-mate Jessica Sergis added: “That was incredible, nothing like we have experienced before and Sarah getting up and doing her thing that was hilarious. It’s been a great few days and we can’t wait to get out on Saturday on Allegiant and play some football”.

English fans chanted “England, England” as the Jillaroos were presented on stage as the best team in the world and Australian players were looking forward to the atmosphere in the roofed stadium for their historic Test on US soil.

“We want people there supporting women’s football. That’s what it’s all about so bring it on. We know they are going to be loud, but I think the Aussies will be even louder.”

Remarkably, it could be another nation that has the biggest representation of supporters at Allegiant Stadium, with New Zealand fans turning out in force for the Warriors.

The Raiders also had strong support, with fans singing the Green Machine song and performing the Viking Clap as the team made their entry.

“We have got the most loyal fans in the competition, and we love every one of them,” Canberra’s coach Ricky Stuart. “It’s so nice that they have been able to come here.”

However, it wasn't just fans of the eight teams playing, including Super League clubs Wigan and Warrington, who turned out, with jersey of every NRL team on display.

With about 50,000 fans expected at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday (local time), Kangaroos coach and Raiders great Mal Meninga - one of the game’s 14 Immortals - said kicking off the NRL season in Las Vegas would again have a positive impact on the game.   

“I think it proved last year how important the game is, it was great foresight and great vision to bring the game to the States, and great ambition,” Meninga said.

“All four NRL teams come well prepared, all four teams are going to be at their best so it’s going to be a great spectacle.”