Walking into Los Angeles International Airport, league great Petero Civoniceva was joined by a mob of jersey-wearing NRL fans.
Understandably, the locals were either confused, curious or a mixture of both.
That’s been part of the routine for many Americans over the last two weeks as the NRL’s invasion of Las Vegas continues.
AS IT HAPPENED: New Zealand v Australia first Test day three
READ MORE: ‘Not worried’: Ricciardo shrugs off Bahrain ‘disappointment’
READ MORE: Brutal reality facing Aussie Olympic shooting champion
Describing his touchdown on American soil, the former Broncos and Panthers prop explained there was a definite Australian presence.
“I came into LA on the Fiji Airways plane from Nadi and there were a lot of footy fans,” Civoniceva, who is a Fiji Airways ambassador, said.
“When we touched down at LA there was a lot of people wondering what all the jerseys were about so there were some great conversations about the game. And obviously, a lot of (American) supporters think we’re a bit crazy, the way we play our style of rugby but in saying that I think rugby league is the type of game all Americans will fall in love with because of the physicality and athleticism they all love in their American sport. But I think for us we take it to another level.
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
“They’re stunned by the amount of Australian accents they hear, I think that was definitely the case at LAX (on Thursday morning). It was wonderful to see when we stopped for lunch all the conversations we were having in the bar area, everyone was inquisitive and asking questions about the game. I can certainly feel there’ll be a lot of interest.”
In a rugby league career that spanned from 1998 to 2014, Civoniceva has seen plenty of the sights the sport has to offer.
After winning the 2000 NRL premiership with the Broncos he was on his way to England for a World Club Challenge fixture in England.
Throw in Kangaroos tours of Great Britain and France along with the 2013 World Cup where he featured for Fiji and there’s been some significant globe-trotting.
However, the thrill currently players will get from starting the season in Las Vegas is a feeling Civoniceva can’t help but envy.
“100 per cent, I think any former player would’ve loved this opportunity,” he said.
“… It’s a wonderful taking by the NRL and obviously Peter V’landys has managed tremendously to promote this opportunity for our game to grow into a new audience. It’s really exciting and I certainly feel the buzz here in Las Vegas.”