- NRL veterans could be the face of the future US professional league.
- At 35, Manly’s Daly Cherry-Evans is in the twilight of his career.
- Roosters fullback James Tedesco is a fan of the lifestyle on offer
- Las Vegas to host historic NRL double-header on Sunday AEDT
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NRL stars James Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans have stated they are open to finishing their respective careers in the US, provided a professional league is established.
Sea Eagles owner Scott Penn is among several business owners keen to create an American professional league, and wants ‘DCE’, which made its first grade debut in 2011 at Manly, where it won a premiership Minister, participate.
Speaking in Las Vegas ahead of this Sunday AEDT’s NRL double-header with Cherry-Evans’ Sea Eagles, Tedesco’s Roosters plus the Broncos and Rabbitohs, the veteran halfback is open to offers.
“If Scott wants to get it going, I’ll be happy to do it,” the 35-year-old said. “Obviously I don’t have much time left in my rugby league career.
‘I have a very open mind about contractual issues and where I might end up my career.
NRL stars James Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans (pictured) have stated they are open to finishing their respective careers in the US, provided a professional league is established.
Tedesco said the lifestyle on offer in the US makes him an attractive prospect as his NRL career comes to an end.
‘So we’ll see how we go. But it’s good to have our club owner pushing for an American opportunity. And that’s an easy transition for me.”
While Tedesco, at 31, has a few more years under his belt than the decorated Sea Eagles captain, the Roosters frontman said the lifestyle on offer in America makes him an attractive prospect.
‘I’m definitely interested. “It would be a great experience,” Tedesco said.
‘That’s the hope, to bring the game here. You never know, it might spark some interest across the United States.
“So being able to live in America and play rugby league… I mean, obviously England is great too.” But yes, the weather is good here.
Meanwhile, ticket sales for the NRL double-header starting at 1.30pm AEDT have surpassed the 40,000 mark as fan anticipation builds.
With increasing publicity and marketing in the game’s mecca, the NRL expects at least 50,000 fans to flock to the venue that recently hosted the Super Bowl.
Both football matches will air live on Fox Sports 1 in prime time on a Saturday night, with the potential for more than 100 million viewers in the US.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys is also prepared to play the long game, with the NRL having signed a five-year deal to host games in Las Vegas.
The soccer supremo is also confident that “once Americans understand the rules, they will accept and enjoy the best game of all.”