LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The NRL has ignited Australia's sporting code wars by proclaiming itself as the country's "biggest sport" in promotional material for its upcoming venture in the USA.
The 2024 NRL season will commence with a double-header in Las Vegas, and advertisements for the event, including a massive billboard on the side of Allegiant Stadium, feature the slogan: "Australia's biggest sport unleashed in Vegas." This declaration has drawn criticism from prominent figures in the AFL, such as former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett, former player Kane Cornes, and former AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou, as well as numerous AFL fans.
Responding to the NRL's claim, one fan wrote, "Dream on NRL," while another remarked, "Australia's East coast sport unleashed." Hunter Fujak, a lecturer at Deakin University and author of the book Code Wars, explained that the NRL has been actively fueling the rivalry in recent years under the leadership of Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V'landys.
Fujak also noted that the AFL tends to downplay this rivalry, suggesting that the NRL's need to generate a "code wars"-style discussion reflects its position in the sporting landscape.
Previously, the NRL had used the slogan "real footy is coming soon to Adelaide" to advertise its State of Origin clash in May.