Imagine planning the perfect vacation, only to discover that your chosen destination is in turmoil.
The NRL envisioned significant expansion, eyeing venues like Abu Dhabi, London, and potentially Hong Kong or Japan.
This was meant to be a genuine global round, showcasing the sport to audiences in regions previously untouched by the NRL.
However, the stability of the Middle East took a sharp turn.
Following the US and Israel's airstrikes on Iran on February 28, not only were geopolitical landscapes altered, but the NRL's travel plans were also thrown into disarray.
Abu Dhabi, a wealthy city eager to host a high-profile match, suddenly found itself in the crossfire of Iranian attacks.
In a conversation with the Sydney Morning Herald, Peter V'landys, Chairman of the ARL Commission, expressed his determination to explore alternative venues.