The NRL has officially taken over the Las Vegas Strip and the energy is peaking ahead of the 2026 season opener.
Rugby league legends Matty Johns and Willie Mason are at the center of the hype, hosting what is being called the “greatest party” in Vegas history at the iconic El Cortez Hotel.
The festivities, dubbed Scrum Vegas, have become a sensation among fans and celebrities alike. Organisers say the event is now the “NRL equivalent of the Super Bowl’s Maxim party” where everyone is welcome to share a beer with Origin stars.
The party’s legendary status is fueled by nostalgic stories, specifically a viral flashback to 2004 when supercoach Wayne Bennett delivered a “brutal spray” to the Kangaroos.
In a famous halftime rant, Bennet reportedly barked, “We’re just starting to f*****g embarrass ourselves now,” before looking directly at the group and yelling, “Willie pick your f*****g act up.”
This “tough love” moment has become the spiritual foundation for the Vegas celebrations, which now include free entry, local pies for UFC stars and live music. Even major sponsors are reportedly hunting for tickets to join the stars on Fremont Street.
As the teams prepare for kickoff at Allegiant Stadium, the message from the “American Godfather” of the sport, David Niu, is clear: “The Mob built the strip and we’ve built Scrum Vegas.”
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