Brisbane Broncos touchdown in USA
The Brisbane Broncos have landed in the United States for the highly anticipated rugby league season opener in Las Vegas.
For the first time the NRL Telstra Premiership season will kick off on American soil when the Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Roosters and Broncos play at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
22 players and 18 support staff departed Brisbane Airport on Thursday on board United Airlines flight UA97 to San Francisco, transferring overnight to Los Angeles, which will be their training base for the coming week.
The team's departure from Brisbane Airport marked a historic moment for the club, paving the way for the team to compete on a global stage as the NRL prepares to bring the game to American audiences.
"Brisbane Airport is proud to be the starting and ending point for the Brisbane Broncos' journey to the NRL season opener in Las Vegas. Like the Broncos, we share a commitment to showcasing the best of Australia to the American market, fostering international connections and the spirit of adventure."
“We're told 18,000 fans will travel to the game from Australia with Queenslanders making up three-quarters of those ticket holders,” according to Peter Doherty, Brisbane Airport Media & Corporate Affairs Manager.
Before the departure, Brisbane Broncos Captain Adam Reynolds paused for a photo with Dreamliner Captain Craig Brownrigg.
United Airlines flies daily from Brisbane to San Francisco.