The winners of the 2024 NRL combine, MarCaya Bailous, Kris Leach, Michael Woolridge and Megan Pakulis.
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Put yourself in Albert Hopoate’s shoes for a moment.
The Canberra outside back had to choose between two once-in-a-lifetime opportunities: experiencing Vegas with his teammates in an NRL season opener, or being present for the birth of his first child.
Consider also that the 23-year-old knows the value of an NRL game more than most; he blew out his ACL in 2018 and his season was over. Two games into the following year, the same injury struck again. And then COVID wiped out any chance of him making a comeback in the lower grades.
So, what does Hopoate, a member of the famous footballing clan, do?
“It was a pretty tough decision,” he said. “I made the decision to stay [in Canberra], just in case the baby’s born while the boys are in Vegas.
“I wanted to be here for my wife and my baby, of course, especially being the first one.
Albert Hopoate has put family before football.Credit: Getty Images
“My wife was actually telling me to go. I love her for that because she understands my goals and my dreams.
“I’m a husband and a soon-to-be father before I am a player, so I wanted to be here for her – family over everything – so that sort of made my decision a bit easier. I asked a few of the older boys like Paps [Josh Papalii] and Joe Tapine what they would do if they were in my shoes, and they said they’d stay as well.
“So it’s good hearing from their perspective, and that certainly made my decision easier.”
Hopoate won’t let his bub forget his sacrifice.
“I’ve never been, so I’ll tell my son when he’s older, he owes me a trip to Vegas,” he said.
What’s caught in Vegas, stays in Vegas
There will be no shortage of Steedens on game day in Vegas.
It’s a case of catch and keep if you’re sitting in the crowd at Allegiant Stadium, which is why the NRL has brought across 180 footballs. Officials estimate they will need 60 footballs for each match they oversee (the two NRL fixtures and the women’s Test), while the Super League will bring across 60 balls of their own.
Roger, victor, bravo
It is often said that you need to play rugby union to see the world, but trying telling that to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
The Warriors superstar is glad he hopped back from union to league in time to experience Las Vegas.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck scores for the Warriors in a recent trial.Credit: Getty Images
“Rugby league is definitely doing something great here [Vegas],” Tuivasa-Sheck said. “I love this whole concept of coming here and playing in this place; this is the capital of entertainment and that’s what we are.
“I’m really stoked to be here. Thank God I came back to rugby league.”
After playing in the centres in his first year back in the 13-man game, the former All Black has shifted to the wing in 2025. He noticed a big change in his second stint in the game.
“When I came into the game I was 80kg and a lot lighter and a lot quicker,” he said. “Now I’m heavier [99kg] and the game is a lot faster. I’m trying to adjust my body [composition] to keep up with the game and the pace.”
The Herald’s travel expenses to Las Vegas have been partly funded by the NRL.
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