Hull KR enlisted the help of NRL side North Queensland Cowboys on Wednesday as they prepare for this weekend’s Super League clash in Las Vegas.
The Robins have a partnership with the Cowboys, which mutually benefits both clubs on and off the field, with best practice being shared at a number of levels. However, as part of the agreement, the two sides met on the training field in Nevada for an opposed session, with the Cowboys in action at the Allegiant Stadium, too.
As such, fresh from beating Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Challenge, Rovers have been able to test themselves against another NRL side this week, with the understanding being that the Cowboys would replicate some of the shapes Leeds Rhinos use, while KR would imitate Newcastle Knights ahead of Saturday’s clash.
Willie Peters’ side have been in Las Vegas since the start of the week, leaving the UK on Sunday, and, over the last few days, players and coaches have been spotted across the city soaking up the atmosphere of Vegas’ rugby league takeover and acclimatising themselves to the conditions.
All six teams will make their grand arrivals this evening in a fan event on Fremont Street, with KR set to be joined on stage by special guest Andy Bell, from the band Erasure.
Friday will see all six teams head over to the Allegiant Stadium, the home of NFL side Las Vegas Raiders, for the first time, with players given the opportunity to train on the playing surface and have a look at the stadium they’ll be playing in on Saturday evening.
For Karl Lawton, the experience will be nothing new, with the KR recruit featuring for Manly Sea Eagles against South Sydney Rabbitohs in Vegas back in 2024. However, for the rest of the KR and Leeds players involved, it has certainly been a week of firsts.
Leeds and Hull KR will play the opening game at the Allegiant, with kick-off scheduled for midnight, before the Cowboys take on the Knights and Canterbury Bulldogs face St George Illawarra Dragons in the early hours of Sunday morning.
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