EXCLUSIVE: American sporting great, Las Vegas regular among those backing NRL's grand plan

Las Vegas will host the NRL for a second time this weekend and according to one of America's most popular athletes, fans are going to fall in love with the sport.

Rob Gronkowski dominated the NFL for a decade, winning four Super Bowls during his time with the Patriots and Buccanneers, forming a lethal combination with Tom Brady.

Now retired, Gronkowski has become an advocate for rugby league, immersing himself in the NRL's ad campaign filled with "big hits" and "no protection" - especially after spending time with Storm trio Cam Munster, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes.

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Speaking exclusively to Wide World of Sports ahead of the season opener, Gronkowski was quizzed about the expansion plans and whether Americans will get behind it.

His answer should fill Peter V'landys and Andrew Abdo with plenty of confidence.

"I believe so - American audiences love big hits and big plays, they love action and that's exactly what the NRL is all about," he said.

"It's different because there's no pads on and you have to appreciate these guys going out there with no protection. I can see Americans really getting behind it for that reason. 

"I think it has continued to keep growing and over the last year, you keep hearing more and more about it and now you've got the NRL coming over to Vegas again.

"There's a lot more room to expand it, but I think they are on the right track. Vegas is a great city to start it in and I believe it can continue to keep growing." 

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Last year, the double-header attracted a bumper crowd at Allegiant Stadium and from all reports, this year's four-game extravaganza in Sin City will be even bigger.

As alluded to by the NFL icon, Vegas is seen as the ideal city to start building a fanbase in a country jam-packed with major sporting leagues.

One man who knows the ins and outs of Vegas is fan-favourite UFC fighter Alexander Volkanovski, who has competed in the city numerous times during his career and won the featherweight title inside T-Mobile Arena back in 2019.

The beloved Aussie superstar is a rugby league tragic, growing up on the NSW south coast and even playing lower grades before making the full-time jump to the octagon.

"It's cool to see," Volkanovski told Wide World of Sports.

"Obviously they are building it up - I don't know the exact goals in mind, but I am pretty sure you can guarantee that it's already levelled up from last year. I think the ticket sales have already done better than last year and it's definitely improving.

"Hopefully they are reaching their goals, it's good to see a few people going over there. It's a great sport and if the Americans can get behind it, they will definitely enjoy it."

The 36-year-old does have one wish however and sent a message to the NRL bosses.

"Dragons have got to be over there next year," he said.

According to reports from The Sydney Morning Herald, Volkanovski may get his wish as plans ramp up for St George Illawarra to face old rivals Canterbury in the 2026 opener.