The National Rugby League (NRL) has encountered its first off-field controversy of the Las Vegas trip, as Canberra Raiders forwards Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies were reportedly involved in an altercation after a night out. The incident, which took place at the team’s hotel, prompted security intervention but did not escalate to police involvement.
The Incident: A Hotel Mix-Up Leads to Tensions
According to reports, the clash between the two players stemmed from a hotel mix-up that left one of them without a room. The situation escalated, leading to a brief scuffle. Initial concerns about the involvement of a weapon were quickly dispelled when it was confirmed that the item in question was an inflatable baseball bat.
Coach Ricky Stuart Responds
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart addressed the matter, calling it “irresponsible behaviour” but assuring that it had been handled internally. “I’ve dealt with this and want to now go about preparing the team for Saturday,” Stuart told Nine.
No Disciplinary Action Expected
Despite the altercation, neither Young nor Smithies is expected to face significant disciplinary action, and both are set to be named in the Raiders’ lineup for their NRL season opener against the New Zealand Warriors at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday morning (AEDT).
READ MORE: Clinical India Crush Pakistan to Move Closer to Champions Trophy Semifinals
The players are scheduled to address the media in Las Vegas at 3 am AEDT on Tuesday to provide further clarification.
A Recurring Issue: NRL’s History of Vegas Controversies
This incident adds to a pattern of off-field controversies during NRL trips to Las Vegas. Last year, a post-match altercation occurred between Roosters and Broncos players in the same hotel following a game, sparked by allegations of racial abuse. This year, the Roosters and Broncos will again meet in a first-round fixture, though neither Spencer Leniu nor Ezra Mam will be participating due to respective suspensions.
NRL’s Expansion Strategy in the U.S.
While this incident has drawn attention, the NRL remains committed to its expansion strategy, with the Las Vegas venture seen as a key initiative to broaden the sport’s reach in the United States. The league has invested heavily in marketing the event, and a strong performance by all four participating teams could help boost the competition’s profile internationally.
Team Preparations and Key Players to Watch
In the lead-up to their match, the Raiders have been focusing on fine-tuning their game plan, with key players such as Jack Wighton and Joseph Tapine expected to play crucial roles. The Warriors, on the other hand, have been preparing diligently under coach Andrew Webster, aiming to capitalize on any weaknesses in Canberra’s lineup.
Fans and analysts are keenly watching how the Raiders respond to the off-field distraction. Former NRL players and commentators have weighed in on the situation, with some emphasizing the importance of professionalism while others downplayed the incident as a minor lapse in judgment.
A High-Stakes Season Opener in Las Vegas
The excitement surrounding the historic NRL season opener in Las Vegas remains high, with thousands of fans traveling to witness the event live. The game is set to be broadcast internationally, ensuring a global audience gets a taste of top-tier rugby league action.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the Raiders will aim to put this controversy behind them and focus on delivering a strong performance on the field, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting 2025 NRL season.
