NRL 2023: Peter V’Landys invited to White House state dinner, how?, Anthony Albanese’s guest, US President Joe Biden, Las Vegas opener, PNG team

NRL supremo Peter V’Landys will attend a state dinner at the White House this week hosted by US President Joe Biden, as the guest of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Yes, the same Peter V’Landys who runs rugby league in Australia.

Not bad for a bloke who started his sports administration career at New South Wales Harness Racing.

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Albanese landed in America on Sunday night for a four-day visit to discuss the AUKUS deal with Biden, and according to the SMH he’s brought V’Landys.

The NRL will open their season in Las Vegas next year in an unprecedented and bold attempt to crack the US market.

Rabbitohs supporter Albanese invited V’Landys to join him at the White House where the pair will mix with some of the world’s most influential people.

State dinners have honoured visiting heads of government or reigning monarchs for over 150 years.

ARL commissioner and former Queensland premier Peter Beattie said V’Landys’ attendance at the prestigious event was “great for rugby league”.

“This is a very rare opportunity that he has been afforded and it’s great for rugby league,” Beattie said.

“This is a networking opportunity from the gods. Anyone who is anyone will be there. There’s no doubt Peter has the personality that gets him through the door, but it will open up even more doors for the game.

“As a sport we’ve tried to break into the US before and failed. But we’ve never tapped on the door of the biggest power players in the country that you need to be successful in the US market. Peter V’landys is doing that.”

Albanese’s government is also underwriting PNG’s bid to join the NRL - reportedly to the tune of $25 million annually - in an effort to improve international relations.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape asked the Australian Government for an NRL team in his country by 2025 to mark the 50th anniversary of his country’s independence - and Albanese is determined to deliver it.

Albanese wants a Port Moresby-based team, with games to also be played in Cairns, as a way to counter China’s growing influence in the region.

“Opening this door is an enormous opportunity for rugby league. (V’Landys) will get the opportunity to spend time with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to discuss the potential of an 18th team in Papua New Guinea,” Beattie said.

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V’Landys is notorious for his negotiating skills and worked wonders for Racing NSW after being appointed their chief executive in 2004.

In 2007, he secured $110 million from the federal government in compensation for horse trainers affected by the outbreak of equine flu, as part of a $235 million rescue package.

V’Landys will no doubt be working closely with Albanese on PNG’s bid, while a big part of the Vegas venture is to tap into the booming US sports betting market.

The Broncos, Roosters, Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles will open the NRL season in a doubleheader at the $1 billion Allegiant Stadium on March 2.

“Peter will go over there and help build the game, not only in Vegas, but in the United States,” Beattie said.