ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has labelled the Raiders’ hotel scuffle “very disappointing” however he did reveal he believed the incident was “minor”.
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Canberra stars Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies, who are said to be close friends, were involved in a wrestle and eventually a fight which saw them briefly evicted from the team hotel.
The incident stemmed from a problems with Resorts World’s — the NRL’s official accommodation partner for the Vegas venture — booking system which saw only one room available for the two players.
Young and Smithies fronted the media to apologise for their actions, which V’landys described as “silly” on Fox Sports News.
“It’s very disappointing, but to be fair it’s a minor scuffle, silly antics,” V’landys said.
“They shouldn’t have done it, it’s not good for rugby league. They’re professionals, they know they did the wrong thing.
“We move forward now and if that’s the biggest thing that happens to us in Vegas, I will be happy.”
Meanwhile, V’landys also explained why he extended an invitation for US President Donal Trump to attend the NRL’s Las Vegas spectacle.
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Trump, who had his second inauguration in January, has a keen interest in contract sports like the UFC and his attendance would shine a light like no other on rugby league.
“The publicity would be priceless, the reason we want him here is he’s a working billboard. Everywhere he goes he generates worldwide publicity,” V’landys said.
“To highlight rugby league by him being here would be the biggest cut through America will ever have.”
BURGESS GETS THE GREEN LIGHT
Warrington Wolves coach Sam Burgess has been given the green light to travel to the US, with his visa reportedly approved to join in America.
That is according to the SMH, with the former Rabbitohs superstar having been left behind in England while his team began preparations in Las Vegas.
Those with criminal records are consistently interviewed by the US consulate before any decision is made regarding an individual’s visa.
However, Burgess is now set to attend his team’s training for the first time in the US on Thursday local time, with assistant coach Martin Gleeson explaining the news was a “huge bonus”.
Sergis ready for history in Vegas | 01:19
“We’ve got no training day today, so he’ll be back for tomorrow’s session, we’ll link up with Penrith, yeah the rest of the week just goes as normal,” he said.
“So, great news. Great news for Sam, the club, and the event…. (The team) Just took it in their stride.
“Obviously, it’s out of our control what’s happened, but the lads just got on with the job, and, is what it is, and had that kind of mentality.
Burgess previously pleaded guilty to a trio of driving charges in 2021.
The Wolves will face the Wigan Warriors in the first game of the four-game rugby league extravaganza on Sunday (AEDT).
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