- The pop icon would not be on the radar of football fans at all
- Four games will be played in Las Vegas on March 2
The NRL has asked pop icon Rick Astley to help promote its blockbuster matches in Las Vegas this year in a move that can only be described as very surprising.
Astley, 58, achieved worldwide fame thanks to his 80s song. Never Gonna Give You Upwhich topped the charts in 25 countries and has resurfaced for a new generation through the internet phenomenon known as 'Rickrolling'.
Astley, a keen Warrington fan, can't wait to watch his beloved Wolves team take on Wigan on March 1 local time in Sin City.
In addition to the English Super League clash, the Australian Jillaroos will take on the England women's team at Allegiant Stadium.
Of course, the main event is the NRL double-header, which sees Ricky Stuart's Raiders take on the Warriors (2 March, 11am AEDT) before the Panthers line up against the Sharks (2 March March, 3:30 pm AEDT).
Astley wants to see Wolves fans flock to the US as rugby league continues to go global after the success of last year's double-header between Souths, Manly, the Roosters and Brisbane.
“Hello, this is Rick Astley,” begins the NRL promotional clip available on You Tube.
'Can you believe it, Warrington Wolves against Wigan Warriors in Las Vegas, come on!
The NRL has asked pop icon Rick Astley to help promote its blockbuster matches in Las Vegas in March, in a move that will leave many fans amazed.
The British singer achieved global fame thanks to his 1980s song Never Gonna Give You Up, which topped the charts in 25 countries (pictured).
The NRL hosted a historic double-header in Las Vegas last year (pictured right, Roosters enforcer Spencer Leniu in action against the Broncos).
The Sea Eagles opened the action in Sin City last March with a victory over the Rabbitohs (pictured, Manly star Luke Brooks celebrates a try at Allegiant Stadium).
'It will happen in 2025, in March… in I said it….Las Vegas.
'Come on the Wire (nickname of the wolves), let's do it.'
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo can't wait for rugby league to dip its toes back into the US sporting market.
“The 2025 Las Vegas event will feature two highly anticipated NRL Premiership matches to open the season, 2024 UK Challenge Cup finalists Wigan and Warrington, and a trial match showcasing some of the world's top players. select from both hemispheres,” he said.
'We encourage fans to take advantage of the Las Vegas festival experience, a true bucket list item for all rugby league and sports fans.
“Participating teams will now have the opportunity to perform on a world stage with great exposure.”
Abdo also thanked NRL partners, particularly the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Allegiant Stadium and the code's broadcasters, for “working closely with us to create this innovative and truly unique event.”