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.