Raiders star Xavier Savage pulled off a romantic wedding proposal almost a year in the making, popping the question in front of the world famous Bellagio Hotel and Casino fountains.
Watch the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership season opening double-header LIVE from Las Vegas on Kayo, SUN 2 MAR 10AM | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
The Daily Telegraph reported Savage proposed to his partner Taliah Simbolon in front of the stunning Bellagio Hotel and Casino fountains on the famous Vegas strip.
The Raiders were given a day off on Sunday (local time) ahead of Sunday’s (AEDT) NRL season opener against the Warriors at Allegiant Stadium.
Savage spent months planning the surprise proposal and even organised for Raiders photographer Sam Gibson to turn up at the Bellagio at the perfect moment to capture moment in real time.
Taliah said “yes”, but the loved up couple have no plans to make the engagement official at a Las Vegas Elvis chapel.
Savage will start on the wing for the Raiders in their season opener on Sunday.
MANCHESTER UNITED LEGEND BACKS NRL PUSH INTO USA
Manchester United and Ireland legend Roy Keane has backed the NRL’s bold push into the American market via their season opening four-game extravaganza in Las Vegas.
“It’s fantastic,” Keane said on Sky Sports.
“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.”
Fellow player-turned-pundit Micah Richards even said he’d be open to becoming part of the Vegas takeover in years to come.
“A Super Sunday from Vegas? I’d be buzzing if Leeds were there – get me involved,” he said during the post-show coverage on Monday morning (AEDT).
Warrington and Wigan will kick things off, before the Canberra Raiders officially kick off their 2025 campaign against the New Zealand Warriors.
England’s national team will also face the Jillaroos, before reigning NRL premiers Penrith face the Sharks in the headline fixture.
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NRL ANNOUNCES THREE MUSIC ACTS FOR VEGAS EXTRAVAGANZA
The NRL has locked in three music acts to perform at rugby league’s return to Las Vegas with Australian and New Zealand musicians to headline the entertainment.
The Daily Telegraph reported Multi-ARIA award winner Conrad Sewell will have multiple performances throughout the week.
Sewell will be joined at Allegiant Stadium by LA-based Australian DJs the Stafford Brothers who are returning to Las Vegas for the second straight year.
Kiwi hip-hop king Savage will also perform.
All three artists will perform sets during the week at the NRL’s Fan Fest at Resorts World in Las Vegas as well as lighting up the main stage on game day.
Meanwhile, Australian pop icon Delta Goodrem was reportedly forced to withdraw from the NRL’s Las Vegas season opener due to the Los Angeles wildfires.
That is according to the SMH, who are reporting Goodrem had negotiated with NRL powerbrokers to headline the spectacle’s entertainment.
However, the 40-year-old had been forced to evacuate her Los Angeles home in January, having spent time in Australia in the months that followed the fires, which saw discussions break down.
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BURGESS’ VISA ISSUES DELAY VEGAS ARRIVAL
Warrington head coach Sam Burgess has been left off the team flight to Las Vegas as he continues to battle visa issues in the UK.
Warrington jetted out to the US on Monday morning (AEDT) ahead of their historic Super League clash against Wigan next Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.
Burgess still hasn’t received formal clearance to enter the US according to Code Sports, with players or coaches who have had run-ins with the law often interviewed by the US consulate before being granted visas.
Burgess pleaded guilty to three driving charges in 2021. He also tested positive to cocaine during a roadside test.
The 36-year-old told Code Sports he is confident the matter will be resolved, and he’ll be able to join his team in time for the game.
“I think I’ll get there (to Vegas). It’s just taking longer than expected,” Burgess said.
“It’s been a bit of a process over the last couple of days. The visa application now, it’s in for review, it’s been going on for a little while.”
The South Sydney premiership winner travelled to the US consulate in London this week to expedite the matter.
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