Boxing clever: How Tim Tszyu and a ticket deal will tempt US fans to double-header

The chances of a bumper crowd at Allegiant Stadium for the NRL double-header have been boosted by a last-minute cross-promotion deal to lure local boxing fans to the venue.

Tim Tszyu, who is in Las Vegas preparing for his clash against former unified welterweight world champion Keith Thurman on March 30 [US time], will help spruik the NRL season opener in coming days.

Significantly, a deal has been done with Tszyu’s promoters No Limit, American heavyweights Premier Boxing Champions [PBC] and the NRL to encourage locals to attend the rugby league games.

PBC has a database of hundreds of thousands of subscribers and boxing fans, and all of them received an email on Tuesday offering two-for-one tickets to the double-header. As part of a reciprocal deal, expats will be encouraged to watch Tszyu make his Las Vegas debut later in the month.

Critics of the Vegas venture will be quick to pounce on the fact that tickets are being discounted so close to the event. However, the arrangement will raise awareness of the NRL matches to genuine American sporting fans, many of whom have watched boxing bouts in Vegas.

Tim Tszyu with Rabbitohs stars Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell.

Tszyu, a South Sydney supporter, will be at the game and participate in NRL promotions in Vegas, including a Fan Fest at Fremont Street on Thursday.

Olakau’atu ready to become a Blue

When mentioned as a potential contender for a NSW jersey last year, Haumole Olakau’atu didn’t handle the scrutiny well.

The star Manly back-rower – who recently signed a $7 million-plus, eight-year contract that will tie him to Brookvale until at least the end of 2031 – admits he struggled with the spotlight and his form suffered.

“At first I thought it was a positive, but then it did affect my game,” he said. “It got into my head a bit. I had to jump off socials for like a month.

“Now I’ve got a good mental coach working with the club right now, his name is Maisy [Andrew May]. He’s been helping me with all that mental stuff, that side of the game. He’s been really helping me a lot.”

NSW coach Michael Maguire invited Olakau’atu to a two-day Blues camp earlier in February, a call-up that left him in awe of established State of Origin stars.

“I was going to ask them for an autograph,” he said.

The Guildford product will undoubtedly again be in the mix for an interstate debut this season, potentially at the expense of friend and Rabbitohs back-rower Keaon Koloamatangi, who he will oppose this weekend. He said he was better prepared to handle a potential selection this time.

“Yeah, definitely,” he said. “Andrew May said to use that as a positive or I could just learn to lock it away, block it out and just focus on what I can control.”

Click-clack, front and back

A big game wouldn’t be complete without the Provan-Summons Trophy, which has made its way to Las Vegas for the occasion.

Our spies spotted the precious cargo strapped in for the ride, a reminder of the real prize on offer when the season kicks off.

Robbo roped in for new coaching gig

If ever there was an incentive for a junior footballer to sign up, this is it.

In perhaps the most stacked brains trust ever for an under-14s side, premiership-winning Roosters coach Trent Robinson and Brett Gillard – a former Roosters, Rabbitohs and Titans player wearing the green shirt (below) – have committed to coaching the Paddington Colts.

Cash to splash, but not too much

Critics of the Vegas venture claim it’s a waste of money, that the funds should instead be invested in grassroots sport. However, given the total cost of heading to America is likely to be less than $2 million, NRL officials feel it’s a free throw at the stumps.

Saab drives the agenda

It’s tough cutting through to the American media, but nobody has done their part more than Jason Saab.

The Manly winger was again ensuring the NRL got precious coverage in prime time, talking all things “rugba league” on the News 3 Las Vegas morning show with host Kelly Duran.

Adrian Proszenko’s trip to Las Vegas was funded by the NRL.

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