Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton is determined to harness the power of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as he looks to connect with America's large Polynesian community.
The centre arrived in Las Vegas late last week ahead of this weekend's NRL season opener at Allegiant Stadium and he's eager to impress one of the USA's most familiar faces.
Crichton was a member of Samoa's giant-killing run to the 2022 Rugby League World Cup final, culminating in a public video of support from The Rock and a frenzy among Samoan communities in America.
The 25-year-old hopes to trigger a similar reaction this week as the Bulldogs build up to Saturday's clash with the Dragons.
Connecting with the large Polynesian communities in the States is a primary goal for the NRL as the organisation attempts to grow the sport abroad. The Rock, Crichton hopes, will play a key role in introducing the sport to an even wider audience.
"It's a good thing for the game to have people like [The Rock] involved," Crichton said. "Everyone knows who The Rock is. It's very exciting when someone like that gives your team a shout out. Because he's Polynesian as well, it's even more special.
"It's pretty exciting to know that there are a lot of Polynesians in the United States and I am pretty keen to meet some of them
"Hopefully the Polynesian communities are keen to come out and watch the game and we get to rub shoulders with them throughout the week."
Match: Bulldogs v Dragons
Round 1 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Dragons
Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Canterbury's match will be the third in a triple-header at Allegiant Stadium, which begins when World Club Challenge winners Hull KR take on Leeds.
Newcastle will then face North Queensland before the Bulldogs play St George Illawarra to close out a bumper day of rugby league.
Canterbury commenced their preparations for the match with a field session at the Las Vegas Raiders training facility.
Las Vegas tactics: Bulldogs
Crichton's visit to the US entertainment capital carries additional meaning as it also doubles as a family reunion.
The centre has family on both his mum and dad's side who live in the US, many of whom he has never met before.
"I've got a few family members so it will be good to see them over there," he said.
"They're all spread out, so I don't know exactly where they all live but there's quite a few, some from mum's family and dad's family too.
"My dad's brother lives in Vegas with his two boys so I'm looking forward to seeing him."
Expectations are high in Belmore in 2026, with halfback Lachlan Galvin entering his first full year as a Bulldog after joining the club midway through last season.
The 20-year-old is set to link up with Matt Burton in the halves, who recently went viral with a 68-yard field goal that would eclipse the current NFL record.
Showmen of Vegas: Stephen Crichton
Canterbury have taken a big step forward in each of the past two years, climbing from 15th to sixth in 2024 before rising again to third on the ladder last year.
Finals success, however, has so far eluded them and they have suffered disappointing post-season exits in those two campaigns.
Crichton is determined to ensure his side has a chance to make amends later this year but said the focus must remain on accumulating wins each week before they can start thinking about success in September.
"Every year is different," Crichton said. "There are team changes, when the Origin period rolls around we'll need extra players.
"The goal is to get to the top four but there's still a long way to go. We're focused on being processed-driven in what we can do now for the start of the year and build into the season."
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