Former rugby league personality Aaron Woods is on a mission to showcase the excitement of the NRL in the United States, generating buzz for the upcoming Las Vegas spectacle next month.
The NRL is set to launch its 2025 season with a thrilling double-header at Allegiant Stadium on March 2, which will also feature a women’s Test match and a Super League clash.
Woods, a retired Origin and Test prop, recently attended the famous Daytona 500 event over the weekend, adding another notch to his American adventure.
While Woods is relishing his role in promoting rugby league across the states, something unexpected happened at the Florida motorsport extravaganza.
Speaking on Triple M’s Beau, Tarsh & Woodsy, he shared a story about being searched by the secret service agents of former President Donald Trump during the event.
“Around 2:30 in the afternoon, once Trump had arrived, we had to participate in a grid walk,” Woods elaborated on Tuesday.
Aaron Woods during his American tour. Triple M
“All the drivers were lined up next to their cars and there were people coming and going, and this was a significant promotion for the NRL.
“With eight million viewers in the US, this was our time to shine.
“We were required to step outside the venue and then re-enter through the various scanners and security checkpoints… where the secret service agents were present.
“As we got back in, we approached the scanner with a rugby league ball that had Trump’s name on it.
“They wouldn’t let us take the ball through because it was already inflated, and when we requested to deflate it, they outright denied us.
“I remember thinking, ‘Come on, what could it possibly be?’… They explained it could be a bomb intended for President Trump.”
“I couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity… After some playful banter, the secret service decided to give me a thorough pat-down.”
Woods revealed that after this amusing encounter with security, he was ultimately allowed to bring the ball into the venue.
As excitement builds for the Vegas event, Woods also made an appearance at WWE Raw, where he snapped photos with stars like Cody Rhodes and Grayson Waller.
Aaron Woods with WWE champion Cody Rhodes. Instagram
“What an incredible evening. A real bucket list experience,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Promoting the NRL in Las Vegas at WWE Raw. What a blast!!!”
The retired front-rower also made an appearance on the live broadcast from ringside in Charlotte, North Carolina, receiving a mention from seasoned commentator Michael Cole.
“We have rugby league legend Aaron Woods in the house,” he announced.
“Making his NRL debut in 2011 with the Wests Tigers, Woods has quickly made a name for himself as one of the sport’s premier front-rowers.
“Aaron is currently touring the US, leading up to the much-anticipated rugby league festival.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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