Knights can see Best way forward
Rugby league superstars Reece Walsh and Latrell Mitchell headline a list of players facing visa hurdles ahead of the NRL’s Las Vegas extravaganza.
The NRL is working feverishly to ensure some of the game’s biggest drawcards are cleared to enter the United States for the historic premiership-opener in Sin City.
As the NRL faces pressure from club bosses over a lack of Vegas clarity, this masthead can reveal a host of big-name players may have to pass a thorough application process to enter America. The NRL and clubs – Broncos, Roosters,
Rabbitohs and Sea Eagles – are seeking guidance from immigration experts around the visa requirements for players that have been arrested by police, faced charges or convicted of criminal offences.
Among the group of players under a visa cloud are State of Origin superstars Payne Haas (Broncos), Jack Wighton (Rabbitohs), Walsh (Broncos) and Mitchell (Rabbitohs).
There is no suggestion the players will be denied entry to America for the double-header on March 3 (AEST).
However their histories have presented another layer of complexity to be navigated by their clubs and NRL for the
Vegas expedition. Most of the players and staff heading to the US next month are expected to be granted ESTA visas, which are generally approved instantly following a brief online application process.
But those that answer ‘yes’ to the following questions on the ESTA application may have to apply for a different visa.
– Have you ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person or government authority?
– Have you ever violated any law related to possessing, using, or distributing illegal drugs?
In 2021, Haas pleaded guilty to one count of intimidating police during an incident in Tweed Heads while later that year Walsh, then contracted to the Warriors, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine on the Gold Coast. Neither player had convictions recorded.
Early last year, Mitchell and Wighton were arrested in Canberra and charged with fight in public place, affray and obstruct/resist territory officials.
Newcastle is in the box seat to re-sign Bradman Best on a $2 million deal, with Wests Tigers withdrawing interest in the star centre.
Without a contract with the Knights beyond 2024, Best had attracted the Tigers’ interest following a breakout 2023 season that culminated in his NSW State of Origin selection.
The 22year-old scored a brace of tries in a highly impressive debut for the Blues in the dead rubber Origin III.
Wests Tigers had been weighing up making Best one of the highest-paid centres in the game with a deal worth $800,000 a season.
However, it is understood that rookie Wests Tigers coach Marshall is focused on working with his current established and emerging centres, including Justin Olam, Starford Toa, Brent Naden, Asu Kepaoa, Josh Feledy, Solomona Faataape and Solomone Saukuru.
The Knights have made Best a major offer that will catapult him into the top echelon of highest-paid centres, with a three-year deal believed to be worth around $700,000 a season.
The rich deal is of major significance and investment by the Knights when compared to dynamic Roosters centre/fullback Joey Manu, who according to the 2023 NRL Rich 100, was on a deal worth $820,000 last season.
Knights coach Adam O’Brien is a huge supporter of Best and is of the belief the rising star is yet to reach his full potential.
Best became the second youngest player to debut for the Knights back in Round 23 of 2019 and has spent six seasons in the red and blue jumper.
The charges were dropped in November, however the fact they were arrested and charged means they may still have to explain their application to US consulate officials.
Other players facing uncertain visa processes are the Broncos’ Tristan Sailor (acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2022) and Souths’ Michael Chee Kam (convicted of assault in 2019).
Roosters star Brandon Smith has previously admitted to being “locked up” while a teenager contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys.
The Broncos depart Brisbane on February 22 to set-up camp in Los Angeles.