An NFL great has stepped in to front the NRL's season opening Las Vegas round
The NRL has been ramping up its advertising over the past few months
By ED CARRUTHERS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA
Published: 11:32 EST, 11 December 2024 | Updated: 11:33 EST, 11 December 2024
The NRL has drafted in one of American football's greatest stars to front its promotional campaign for its season curtain raiser in Las Vegas.
Four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski fronted the NRL's latest video campaign for the rugby league festival, which is due to kick off in the entertainment capital of the world on March 1.
Gronkowski, who partnered alongside legendary quarter-back Tom Brady at the New England Patriots, before moving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, leads the voice-over for the advert, by saying: 'You feel that'.
A montage of huge hits follows before the 35-year-old former tight end says: 'That's your off-season sorted.'
It comes as the NRL are ramping up their advertising of the blockbuster weekend over the past month, having recently ambushed Formula One's racing weekend with a plethora of promotions.
NFL star Rob Gronkowski has fronted the NRL's latest Las Vegas round campaign
It comes as the league have been pumping out multiple advertising campaigns around the city in a bid to increase viewership
Screens that adorn the ceiling of Vegas' iconic boulevard Freemont Street, were recently lit up with Steeden rugby balls, while the Allegiant Stadium, where the games will be hosted in March, has also broadcast pictures of NRL stars on large LED screens outside the stadium.
'It's football but not as you know it,' Gronkowski, who was the NFL's top touchdown scorer in 2011, added.
'No pads, no armour and no time outs. The very best rugby league players from around the world collide in Las Vegas.
'Eight teams, four games. That's one epic ticket.'
The heightened publicity comes after the fixture round struggled to catch the attention of US viewers, with ratings showing just 61,000 tuned in to see the Rabbitohs take on the Sea Eagles during the Saturday night prime-time fixture. While the numbers had set a new record for viewership in the States, 838,000 Aussie viewers sat down to watch the games.
Fans online were largely pumped to see NFL great Gronkowski fronting the campaign with some taking to social media to express their excitement over the upcoming round of fixtures.
One wrote on X: 'Didn’t think we could find another thing to love about Gronk but here it is!'
Another added: NRL in Vegas [is] not to be missed! One of the best experiences of my life this year!!'
Fans took to social media to claim they were pumped by the advertisement and couldn't wait for the new season to begin
The Raiders will take on the New Zealand Warriors while last year's premiership winners, the Panthers will go head-to-head against the Sharks
The NRL are looking to increase the number of US viewers turning in, after it was reported that 61,000 people sat down to watch the rugby league festival in 2023
'Love it. Well done,' another added. 'Can it be March already? I’m already over this offseason.'
The Raiders will take on the New Zealand Warriors while last year's premiership winners, the Panthers will go head-to-head against the Sharks as part of the four-match extravaganza.
The Jillaroos are also due to take on England's women's side in a huge rivalry, while Super League winners Wigan playoff against Warrington in the all-English clash. Almost 30,000 tickets have been sold for the event.
Gronkowski was also involved in the launch event for the round of fixtures, standing with Aaron Woods and Billy Walters in Los Angeles, before being presented with a Manly jersey with his name on it.