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To appreciate Nick Politis’ commitment to promoting and growing rugby league in the US, you only have to look at the calibre of Sydney Roosters players he will send to America for the Vegas Nines.
Premiership winner Luke Keary will coach the LA Roosters at the Nines, a low-key event which runs in the week leading up to the NRL double-header – while two of the NRLW’s biggest names, Millie Elliott and Jess Sergis, will feature in the womens’ competition.
The Roosters were part of the inaugural NRL double-header in Vegas in 2024, and their owner and chairman Politis spent around $500,000 not long afterwards to help establish a league academy on the US west coast while also launching the LA Roosters, a team to feature in the Californian league.
The $200,000 combined prizemoney for winning the men’s and women’s Nines competitions will mean little to billionaire Politis – but having the game of rugby league in the spotlight is priceless.
Keary, who won titles with the Roosters in 2018 and 2019 – he was the Clive Churchill Medallist in 2018 – and since joined Trent Robinson’s coaching staff, said he was never going to pass on the Vegas opportunity when approached by Politis.
“Nick is dead serious about this investment – it’s great for our game someone like Nick is trying to grow the game,” Keary said.
Roosters star Jess Sergis will travel to Las Vegas for the Nines.Credit: Getty
“I’ll coach the men and John Strange will coach the women’s team. Millie and Jess are both playing.
“We’re sending over a few of the younger boys over who haven’t played first grade, but have played SG Ball and NSW Cup. The final is scheduled for Allegiant Stadium on the Saturday morning of the NRL double-header.
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