South Sydney Rabbitohs owner and Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe has lent his voice to a five-minute NRL promotional, explaining the rules of rugby league in a bid to attract US audiences to the historic double header in Las Vegas.
The video is the latest marketing ploy from the NRL, and likely to be one of the most effective methods yet, with Crowe’s dulcet tones detailing the rules of the game in a succinct yet comprehensive manner. Crowe is expected to be in attendance at Allegiant Stadium when the Rabbitohs play the Manly Sea Eagles on March 3 .Crowe, one of the most recognisable Australians worldwide, explains the sport as if he’s talking to those more familiar with American football.“No helmets, no pads, no timeouts. National Rugby League is unleashed for the very first time in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas.
In a second video Crowe describes the sport as “arguably the fastest, most aggressive, football game that exists”.The video delves into all of the rules of the game, the tactics involved and how all players contribute on offence and defence, which isn’t the case in American football.Former Souths junior-turned NFL superstar Jordan Mailata is in Vegas for the lead up to Monday’s Super Bowl as an ambassador for the NRL.
Mailata caught up with Hollywood royalty, The Rock, showing him some NRL highlights and asking for his opinion on a rugby league ball.The NRL are also reportedly in talks with Mailata’s Philadelphia Eagles teammate Jason Kelce and his brother Travis to attend the double header.