EXCLUSIVE: American Sports Icon and Las Vegas Fixture Among Advocates for NRL’s Ambitious Vision

This weekend, Las Vegas will host the NRL for the second time, and according to one of America’s most notable athletes, the sport is set to win over fans.

Rob Gronkowski, a dominant force in the NFL for ten years, clinched four Super Bowls with the Patriots and Buccaneers, forging a deadly partnership with Tom Brady.

Since retiring, Gronkowski has emerged as a champion for rugby league, diving deep into the NRL’s promotional campaigns featuring “big hits” and “no padding”—particularly after spending time with Storm stars Cam Munster, Ryan Papenhuyzen, and Jahrome Hughes.

In an exclusive chat with Wide World of Sports ahead of the season’s kickoff, Gronkowski was asked about the league’s expansion ambitions and the potential for American fans to embrace the sport.

His reassurances should provide a boost of confidence for NRL executives Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo.

“Absolutely! American audiences are all about big hits and explosive plays. They crave action, and that’s precisely what the NRL delivers,” he remarked.

“The unique factor is the absence of padding, and you have to admire these athletes heading onto the field unprotected. I can definitely see Americans rallying behind it for that reason.”

“The sport has been steadily growing, and over the past year, it has garnered increasing attention. With the NRL returning to Vegas, it’s a promising sign.”

“There’s ample opportunity for expansion, and they are definitely heading in the right direction. Vegas is an ideal city to kick things off, and I truly believe it has the potential to keep thriving.”

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Last year’s double-header attracted a significant crowd at Allegiant Stadium, and reports suggest that this year’s four-match spectacle in sin city will surpass that.

As Gronkowski pointed out, Vegas is recognised as the prime location for cultivating a fanbase in a nation filled with major sporting leagues.

UFC fighter Alexander Volkanovski, a fan-favourite who has fought numerous times in Vegas and claimed the featherweight title at T-Mobile Arena in 2019, is well acquainted with the city.

This beloved Aussie champion, a die-hard rugby league fan, grew up on the NSW south coast and even played in lower grades before transitioning to the octagon.

“It’s fantastic to witness the progress,” Volkanovski shared with Wide World of Sports.

“Clearly, they’re making strides—I don’t know their exact objectives, but I’m fairly confident that ticket sales have already outperformed last year’s figures, and everything is certainly on the up.

“I hope they meet their targets—it’s great to see a crowd heading over there. Rugby league is an excellent sport, and if Americans get behind it, they’re bound to enjoy it.”

However, the 36-year-old does have one hope and relayed a message to the NRL executives.

“The Dragons must be there next year,” he asserted.

According to information from The Sydney Morning Herald, Volkanovski may see his wish granted as plans are underway for St George Illawarra to take on long-standing rivals Canterbury in the opening match of the 2026 season.