The NRL hires the last music star you would EVER expect to sell its blockbuster 2025 Las Vegas matches

  • Pop icon would not be on footy fans’ radar at all
  • Four matches to be staged in Las Vegas come March 2

The NRL has called on pop icon Rick Astley to help promote its blockbuster Las Vegas matches this year in a decision that can only be described as highly surprising.

Astley, 58, achieved global fame through his 1980s track Never Gonna Give You Up, which topped the charts in 25 countries and has resurfaced for a new generation through the internet phenomenon known as ‘Rickrolling’.

A keen Warrington fan, Astley can’t wait to see his beloved Wolves team tackle Wigan come 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 versus the Warriors (March 2, 11am, AEDT) before the Panthers line up against the Sharks (March 2, 3:30pm AEDT).

Astley wants to see Wolves supporters make their way to the US as rugby league continues to go global after the success of last year’s double header featuring Souths, Manly, the Roosters and Brisbane.

‘Hi there, Rick Astley here,’ he begins in the NRL promotional clip available on You Tube.

‘Can you believe it, Warrington Wolves versus Wigan Warriors in Las Vegas, c’mon!

The NRL has called on pop icon Rick Astley to help promote its blockbuster Las Vegas matches in March in a move that will leave many fans astounded

The British singer achieved global fame through his 1980s track Never Gonna Give You Up, which topped the charts in 25 countries (pictured)

The British singer achieved global fame through his 1980s track Never Gonna Give You Up, which topped the charts in 25 countries (pictured)

The NRL staged an historic double header in Las Vegas last year (pictured right, Roosters enforcer Spencer Leniu in action against the Broncos)

The NRL staged an historic double header in Las Vegas last year (pictured right, Roosters enforcer Spencer Leniu in action against the Broncos)

The Sea Eagles kicked off the action in Sin City last March with a win over the Rabbitohs (pictured, Manly star Luke Brooks celebrates a try at Allegiant Stadium)

The Sea Eagles kicked off the action in Sin City last March with a win over the Rabbitohs (pictured, Manly star Luke Brooks celebrates a try at Allegiant Stadium)

‘It is happening in 2025, in March…in I said it….Las Vegas.

‘C’mon the Wire [Wolves nickname], let’s have it.’

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo can’t wait to see rugby league dip its toes into the US sporting market once again. 

‘The 2025 Las Vegas event will feature two highly anticipated NRL Premiership matches to open the season, the 2024 UK Challenge Cup finalists, Wigan and Warrington, and a Test match showcasing some of the most elite women’s players 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.

‘The participating teams will now get the chance to perform on a global stage with huge exposure.’

Abdo also thanked the NRL’s partners, notably the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Allegiant Stadium plus the code’s broadcasters, for ‘working closely with us to create this innovative and truly unique event.’

What’s on in Sin City’s footy fest 

 

* Super League – Wigan v Warrington (March 2, 8:30am AEDT)

* NRL – Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors (March 2, 11am AEDT)

* Test match – Australian Jillaroos vs England Lionesses (March 2, 1pm AEDT)

* NRL – Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla Sharks (March 2, 3:30pm AEDT)

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