Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman Peter V’landys has once again fired shots at the AFL after his surprise visit to the US White House.
V’landys received an invite to an event at the White House courtesy of Australian Prime Minister and notable rugby league fan Anthony Albanese, as he prepares for the NRL’s 2023 season opener in Las Vegas.
With the Vegas trip top of the NRL’s agenda, V’landys has been at the forefront as he attempts to expand the game’s reach to a global audience.
The ARLC Chairman has been very outspoken in his disdain for the AFL, notably calling it a “boring sport” and claiming he would rather watch the TV show ‘The Flintstones’ instead.
After his meeting with US President Joe Biden, V’landys didn’t miss his chance to go at the AFL one more time, stating his aims to make rugby league the biggest sport in the country.
“It’s been a great trip and a very important trip. I have been some very big hitters and I’ve learned a lot about the American market,” V’landys told The Daily Telegraph.
“From government officials to major businesspeople, the trip has been exceptionally worthwhile. To be successful, you have to set the foundations and I’m setting the foundations for the long-term growth of the sport.
“I have made some key contacts that will be important for rugby league’s future.
“I won’t name names because I don’t want to embarrass them, but the NRL will be Australia’s No.1 sport.”
V’landys opened up on how the trip came about whilst praising Albanese for his passionate support of rugby league.
“Anthony Albanese is a great man and is a great supporter of rugby league,” V’landys added.
“How it came about, I was having lunch with ‘Albo’, We were talking about Vegas and he said ‘There’s a state dinner at the White House coming up, do you want to come? I will get you some publicity on rugby league and Vegas’.
“I jumped at it and here I am in America meeting the US president, it’s been an amazing trip.
“Joe Biden was very nice and friendly, we took a photo with Anthony Albanese, we had a reception on the lawns of the White House and Albo’s speech was exceptional.
“It made me proud to be an Australian.”
The NRL kicks off its doubleheader in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium.