NRL Defends Donald Trump’s Invitation Ahead of Las Vegas Showpiece, Calling It ‘Standard Practice’

LAS VEGAS: The NRL has firmly stood by its contentious invitation extended to Donald Trump, welcoming the US President to the Las Vegas showpiece set to launch the 2025 season this Sunday (Australian time).

On Thursday (AEDT), NRL CEO Andrew Abdo defended the association with notable personalities Trump and Dana White, both of whom are known for their controversial backgrounds, as they were invited to join the exciting event at Allegiant Stadium, featuring four matches.

Addressing the media at a vibrant fan gathering filled with enthusiastic NRL and Super League supporters, Abdo remarked that it is “not uncommon” for the sitting president to be invited to an event held in the United States.

He highlighted that last year’s event also saw an invitation extended to the previous president, Joe Biden, asserting that the NRL’s intentions were not politically motivated in reaching out to the nation’s leader.

“As this match is taking place in America, we are guests here,” Abdo stated.

“Last year we had the honour of inviting Joe Biden; this year, we have reached out to Donald Trump. It is customary to invite the current president of the host country.

“This is a standard practice and does not imply any political alignment with anyone. We are a neutral sport, focused on unifying individuals regardless of their political views or backgrounds.

“Our aim is inclusion for all, and inviting the current president is a fitting gesture, which we have executed.”

Earlier, ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys made a personal push for Trump’s attendance by sharing a message on the American programme “Fox and Friends,” dramatically revealing a ‘TRUMP’ ball to reiterate the invitation.

Catch the live and free coverage of the 2025 NRL premiership on Nine and 9Now.

“We’ve had ongoing discussions with his office, exchanging emails,” V’landys explained to 9News prior to departing for Las Vegas this week.

“It was a long shot, but I know he has an affinity for contact sports — and rugby league is certainly the most physical of them all.

“If he’s looking for entertainment, he ought to join us at the game.”

Whether Trump will actually attend remains unsettled, while his close associate, UFC head Dana White, has already confirmed he will be absent due to prior commitments that take him away from Las Vegas this weekend.

The invitation to White, who faced backlash after being filmed slapping his wife at a New Year’s Eve event, has drawn criticism from White Ribbon Australia, an organisation that deemed it “severely misaligned with our values.”