EXCLUSIVE: The Canberra Raiders’ Strategic Appeal to NFL Fans Before the Vegas Face-Off – Here’s Why It Works

LAS VEGAS: The Raiders are rallying Las Vegas NFL supporters to rally behind them during Sunday’s (AEDT) grand event in Sin City.

As one of the most iconic franchises in the NFL, the Raiders boast a rich history, having clinched three Super Bowls — a feat matched by their Canberra counterparts.

“We’re the Canberra Raiders, and they’re the Las Vegas Raiders, so it makes perfect sense for them to support us,” said hooker Tom Starling in an interview with Wide World of Sports.

“It just adds up.”

“They’re passionate about their NFL here, and our task is to get them hooked on rugby league.”

“If they’ve got a team to support, it absolutely enhances their experience and gets them more invested.”

However, while the Canberra Raiders have claimed all three of their titles, the Las Vegas Raiders have yet to achieve this glory since moving to their current city.

It’s quite common for sports franchises in America to shift cities, and the Raiders are no exception.

Originally founded as the Oakland Raiders in 1960, they remained in California for two decades, securing their first two Super Bowl victories.

In 1982, they moved to Los Angeles and eventually added a third championship to their collection.

Recognising the potential of having a professional football franchise in Sin City, similar to what Peter V’Landys and the NRL have done, the Raiders established the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020.

While the journey to establish their presence in Nevada has had its challenges, Allegiant Stadium provides a top-notch venue, drawing rival fans from across the nation for away games, where attendees can also enjoy all that Vegas has to offer.

Starling is eager to jog onto the field in Las Vegas, hoping for an enthusiastic reception from both the local supporters and the numerous travelling Canberra fans.

“It’s thrilling — it feels surreal that this is happening,” he said.

“Vegas is such a lively place, and I had a chat with a few of the Roosters players who visited last year… they said it was an unforgettable experience.”

Starling acknowledges that the Raiders are driven this season after missing the finals last year.

“That still stings,” he remarked.

“We had a squad capable of making it but let ourselves down with lapses in focus.

“Teams like Melbourne and Penrith go the full 80 minutes, and that’s our target this year.”

The Raiders are scheduled to face off against the Warriors at 11am (AEDT) next Sunday.