LAS VEGAS — Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo has treated his Bulldogs players to an early treat here in the world’s entertainment capital – a surprise training session at the Las Vegas Raiders $100 million headquarters.
While Newcastle, North Queensland and St George Illawarra all enjoyed a rest day in Las Vegas on Sunday, the Bulldogs sweated through the first official team practice of any NRL team in preparation for next weekend’s Allegiant Stadium blockbuster.
Better, and in a huge shock for the players — who had only watched The Eagles perform inside The Sphere the previous evening — it was switched at the last minute to Raiders HQ.
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A club spokesperson also confirmed Bulldogs No.6 Matt Burton again trained with the group — just as he had two days earlier during a light session at the UFC Apex Centre – while Marcelo Montoya and Jacob Kiraz also worked out after missing the trials.
Burton was initially thought to be in some doubt for the season opener, after suffering a hamstring issue in the final trial against Newcastle.
However, the playmaker has since declared himself ready to partner Lachie Galvin in Sunday’s game against St George Illawarra.
Given the issues that can come with spending too long in Las Vegas, the Dragons only arrived into town on Saturday — the last of all four NRL teams to set up camp.
The Bulldogs, however, have been in town since last Thursday, with the club sending a huge contingent of around 90 players, coaches and staff.
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And given they were the first into Sin City, the Bulldogs were also first out onto the paddock a day ahead of everyone else – and with a late twist courtesy of the Bulldogs coach.
While being bused to a session that was initially slated for a local sporting field, Ciraldo then told his players there had been a change of plans … and they were instead going to work out at Raiders HQ.
Cue excited applause.
Once inside the 335,000-square foot complex, the Bulldogs players were all quick to pull out their iPhones and initially record the experience that will also be granted to other NRL sides later in the week.
The North Queensland Cowboys will be the first team to hold an open field session on Monday morning, while St George Illawarra will then do the same in the afternoon. The Knights are expected to do ballwork behind closed doors, but have a media opportunity after their gym session at the UFC Performance Institute.
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Completed in 2020, Raiders HQ facility includes a 150,000 square-foot indoor field house, a three-storey gymnasium, three outdoor fields, and a large multi-storey office complex.
The visit continued what has already been a bumper week for Bulldogs players, who were each given Saturday night tickets to one of the hottest shows in town – The Eagles performing at The Sphere.
It’s been estimated the Dogs shelled out more than $20,000 so their players and staff could be part of the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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