The bright lights of Las Vegas are getting a heavy dose of Pacific power as the NRL rolls into Sin City for the massive 2026 Round 1 opener. If there is one thing that defines the modern era of rugby league, it’s the flair, power, and undeniable passion of our Pasifika and Māori brothers. This week, they are bringing that exact energy to the world’s entertainment capital.
Fremont Street Chaos and Critta’s Leadership
The NRL’s takeover of Fremont Street has officially gone down as one of Australia’s coolest street parties, with a crowd of over 16,000 fans transforming the iconic strip into a sea of footy jerseys. And it was our boys who were stealing the show.
Knights winger Greg Marzhew absolutely sent the crowd into a frenzy when he busted out a backflip right on stage, just 48 hours before his team’s season opener. When asked about the acrobatics, coach Justin Holbrook just grinned, noting that while he might usually be worried, he knows Marzhew “does ’em well”.
Meanwhile,
Canterbury Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton oozed absolute cool on the red carpet.
Wearing Meta sunglasses at night to record the chaos, Critta perfectly summed up the vibe of the event, which is quickly becoming one of the craziest in Australian sport. As a proud skipper leading his team on the global stage, Crichton serves as a massive inspiration and example for young Pacific youth aiming to achieve their biggest goals under the bright lights. Standing tall in the world’s entertainment capital, Crichton declared that his boys will be “ready to rock ‘n roll” come game day.
Newcastle superstar Kalyn Ponga—who recently made massive headlines by confirming he is open to a shock switch to play for New Zealand—drew a deafening pop from the Vegas crowd. Soaking in the electric atmosphere, Ponga called the turnout “insane” and urged the fans to make some noise.
In other massive news for our Pacific stars, Melbourne Storm’s Fijian powerhouse Tui Kamikamica has officially secured his immediate playing future, while Broncos wrecking ball Payne Haas has reportedly agreed to a blockbuster deal with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Jai Opetaia: Australia’s Cruiserweight King and the Ultimate “Random Souths Guy”
You can’t talk about combat sports, Vegas, and Pacific pride without shouting out Australia’s cruiserweight king, Jai Opetaia. The boxing superstar has recently signed with UFC boss Dana White’s new Zuffa Boxing stable and is currently in Las Vegas preparing for a world title fight.
But despite being locked into his boxing camp, Opetaia’s rugby league roots run deep. He made sure to attend the Fremont Street party, hilariously playing the iconic role of “Random Souths Guy” in the crowd.
When asked about his NRL allegiances, Opetaia didn’t hold back. “Absolutely a Bunnies fan,” he declared, before making sure everyone knew where his State of Origin loyalties lie: “I bleed f***ing Blue too”. He cleared up any geographical confusion for the fans, stating, “I know there is some confusion because I’m living in Queensland, but I’m a New South Welshman”.
Looking out at the chaotic, 16,000-strong crowd taking over the American strip, the boxing champ was buzzing. “This is f***ing crazy,” Opetaia shouted. “Look at Australia … this is something to be proud of”.
Dana White’s Backing & The Weekend Ahead
The NRL’s Vegas vision is even getting massive backing from UFC President Dana White. White was so impressed by the visiting rugby league teams that he opened up his state-of-the-art UFC Performance Institute for the squads to use, granting them full access to the gym, recovery center, and cafeteria. White has urged the NRL to “keep hammering Las Vegas every year” and build an experience similar to the UFC’s legendary International Fight Week. He even mentioned he might watch the games from his private suite at Allegiant Stadium.
With the stage officially set, Saturday’s blockbuster double-header kicks off with Marzhew and Ponga’s Knights taking on the North Queensland Cowboys, followed by Crichton leading the Bulldogs into battle against the Dragons.
The boys are primed, the fans are rabid, and the Polynesian power is about to be put on full display for the whole world to see. Let the games begin!
