The 2024 NRL season kicked off in unfamiliar surroundings, as a better-than-expected crowd streamed into Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, to witness history in the making.
Read on as we take a look back at some of the biggest hits and misses as Saturday night unwound in Nevada.
HIT
Football does the talking for NRL in Las Vegas
Fans and NRL administrators could not have been happier with the fast-paced, open play of the early exchanges between the Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles. The promise of non-stop action punctuated with big hits, slashing runs and sharp passing was kept as both teams put on performances worthy of the Las Vegas stage.
It wasn't until the Rabbitohs enjoyed some back-to-back possession, that the first try was scored, with Richard Kenner crashing over out wide. The Rabbitohs scored another try before the break, but the Sea Eagles crossed for two of their own to lead 12-10. The game really opened up in the second half, with a further seven tries being scored.
The second clash between the Roosters and Broncos had more of a semifinal feel to it, with desperate defence keeping the scoring to a minimum well into the second half. Still it showcased another aspect of the great game, the intense struggle that ensues when two teams are up to the defensive challenge.
All up, the double-header provided something for everyone of the 40,746 fans present and for those watching at home either in Australia or the USA. Everyone who had anything to do with organising the event, deservedly finished the night with a broad smile on their faces.
"It's been a good day, and it's a relief to just see it all come to life," NRL CEO Andrew Abdo told AAP.
"We've seen some great football and we've got some happy fans, a lot of people that have travelled and had a great time.
"And importantly, we've got some Americans who have come and seen rugby league. And hopefully a huge amount watched on television across America too."
MISS
Late start leaves U.S. television fans frustrated
Far be it for ESPN to criticise another sports network when it come to the pitfalls of televising multiple live events, but it was far from ideal for coverage of NRL's first major foray into the U.S. market to be delayed due to a college basketball game. U.S. viewers on the Fox network didn't join the Sea Eagles clash with the Rabbitohs until the 17th minute of the game. A blogger for The Guardian in the U.S. vented his frustration.
"OK, there's just under six minutes to go in regulation of this college basketball game - Georgetown are up by four if you must know. But there's no way the game will be over by kickoff in Vegas. Zero chance. Will Fox Sports boot the basketball off? Or will we be denied our live NRL! We'll know in just a few minutes!"
And as the NRL clash was clearly underway: "The Bunnies and Manly are off and doing whatever it is these people do, but nobody in the US can see it! We still have basketball! Total debacle!"
It's a difficult business when it comes to keeping all fans happy with sport happening all over the world at any given time.
HIT
Brooks enjoys the freedom of being second fiddle
There was a lot of conjecture over how well Luke Brooks would fit into the Sea Eagles halves alongside Daly Cherry-Evans, but it only took one game to answer the doubters. Brooks didn't have an outstanding game for Manly in their victory over the Rabbitohs, because he simply didn't have to. He was very good, and played his role to perfection.
With Cherry-Evans running the show, Brooks only has to contribute when needed and he clearly reveled in being free of the burden of carrying an entire team's hopes on his shoulders. When he dummied and stepped his way through the Rabbitohs defensive line from 10 metres out in the 76th minute, it was the icing on what was a tremendous club debut. His combination with Cherry-Evans and indeed the entire Sea Eagles backline, including the ever-dangerous Tom Trbojevic, will only get better as the season progresses.
Brooks' departure from the Tigers will be noted as an enormous turning point late in his career, and the Sea Eagles' decision to sign him will be lauded as one of the buys of the season.
MISS
Mixed night for Saab ends in pain
It was a very mixed night for Sea Eagles winger Jason Saab. Early in the first half he ran onto a popped pass from Tom Trbojevic deep inside his own territory, taking off downfield as he showcased the pace that has him ranked amongst the game's fastest. Just when it looked like no one would catch him, Rabbitohs half Lachlan Ilias loomed and made a desperate dive, grabbing at his foot and tripping Saab up. He rolled back to his feet, but the Rabbitohs defence converged and wrapped him up.
Not long after, as halftime approached, Saab pounced on a Latrell Mitchell cut-out pass inside Manly's half. Again the speedster was off, but this time there was no one chasing, and he raced around to score beneath the posts.
Late in the game, as he ran in support, he grasped the top of his right leg and pulled up with what looked to be a hamstring injury. Having previously said he would entertain a switch to the NFL, he would have been enjoying his night in Las Vegas, until that fateful twang.
HIT
Tedesco and Mam in brutal mid-air collision
There were plenty of big collisions for fans, new and old, of the game, but none bigger than that just before halftime in the game between the Roosters and Broncos. Having made an error in fielding a kick in their own in-goal area, the Roosters opted to take a short goal-line drop-out.
Instead of the usual looping kick towards a sideline, the Roosters went straight down the middle, with captain James Tedesco in hot pursuit. Tedesco arrived at the same time as Broncos five-eight Ezra Mam with both players leaping fearlessly into the air before coming together with an audible crunch. Tedesco managed to come to ground with the ball in his possession, while Mann was left to shake off some cobwebs.