‘“A Nightmarish Atmosphere”: Toby Rudolf Uncovers Key Challenge Faced by Cronulla Teammates in Las Vegas’

Toby Rudolf is no stranger to tough challenges on the field, but nothing could compare to what his Cronulla Sharks teammates experienced in Las Vegas.

The Sharks faced off against the reigning champions, the Penrith Panthers, in a thrilling encounter that concluded the opening round of the NRL in the United States.

Missing out on the Vegas trip due to ongoing rehabilitation for a shoulder injury, Rudolf admitted to feeling a bit isolated from the action.

However, the front-rower seemed less bothered about dodging one of the more concerning aspects of his team’s close defeat.

“They mentioned that because they were in the middle of the desert, they couldn’t find any moisture,” he shared on Nine’s Freddy and the Eighth.

“They claimed that playing there was in the worst possible environment.

“The atmosphere was just dust.”

The 29-year-old recognised that it was tough to watch his mates participating in such a significant overseas event while he remained behind.

Rudolf disclosed that he chose to give coach Craig Fitzgibbon the “cold shoulder” by leaving the team group chat and unfollowing his teammates on social media.

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“It was a wild time because my best mates, who have supported me since 2019—there are still eight of us that won a title at Newtown together—were on the other side of the globe (while) I was home feeling sorry for myself on the couch, taking care of Danika’s dog,” Rudolf laughed.

“I left the group chat multiple times, but they kept adding me back in. I really didn’t want to be part of it.

“The boys Facetimed me after they arrived… I experienced some serious FOMO—it was awful.”

Despite being sidelined with a shoulder injury, Rudolf is making strides towards a comeback.

“I was aiming to return for round two, that was the target, but for now, it’s more of a week-to-week situation,” the prop explained.

“I’m close to regaining my strength; it’s just about managing the pain.

“I’m currently working with the physios, so I’m hopeful I can return for round three against Souths… They’re my former club, so that adds extra motivation for me.

“I’m on the verge of being back, fit and ready to go any week now.”