Phil Gould’s Bold AI-Inspired Pitch to Donald Trump
Phil Gould, the renowned Bulldogs supremo, has stirred up a flurry of reactions with his recent X post, which included a creative and AI-inspired sales pitch to former US President Donald Trump. Gould’s lengthy tweet on Tuesday was an enthusiastic call to action, urging Trump to attend the NRL double header in Las Vegas on March 1, 2024. The post highlighted why Trump would love the "greatest game of all," emphasizing the unique attributes of today’s NRL stars. Gould described these athletes as "winners" who are "built different," noting that they "hit harder than your Secret Service, run faster than your motorcade, and draw bigger crowds than your rallies." In his trademark style, Gould added, "nobody runs faster and puts on a better show," and concluded with a nod to Tina Turner’s iconic track, "Simply The Best."
ARLC Chief Peter V’Landys Extends the Invitation
Gould’s bold pitch was not the only call to Trump. Peter V’Landys, the boss of the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC), also issued a public invitation to the US President. V’Landys made a video address to Trump during the US talk show Fox and Friends, praising rugby league as "the toughest game on earth." He highlighted the physicality and brutality of the sport, noting that players don’t wear pads or helmets, and compared it to the physical sports Trump is known to enjoy. V’Landys added a lighthearted touch, mentioning that Australia has a trade surplus with the US, saying Trump’s attendance would "balance this out a bit." The ARLC chairman extended a warm invitation to Trump, hoping to see him at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on March 1.
Mixed Reactions to Gould’s Pitch
Reactions to Gould’s tweet were mixed, ranging from support to criticism. While some fans appreciated the creative and humorous approach, others found it cringe-worthy. One supporter bluntly told Gould, "You’re embarrassing yourself Gus." Another user commented, "The games in Vegas have every chance of being better than last year’s hit out… Just need all the cringe promos to stop." A third user expressed disappointment, stating, "So the NRL, a sporting organization that regularly suspends players for domestic violence offenses, is now inviting a convicted sex offender to attend the Las Vegas round on March 1." The varied responses highlight the sensitivity and complexity of promoting sports events, especially when high-profile figures are involved.
Aaron Woods Joins the Promotion Effort
In addition to Gould and V’Landys, former NRL star Aaron Woods also joined the promotional efforts. Woods appeared on Fox and Friends on Sunday morning, speaking at the Daytona 500 and inviting Trump to the rugby league fixtures. He wore a footy shirt with "Trump" and the number 25 printed on its back and held a Steeden footy featuring the American flag and Trump’s campaign logo. Woods said, "We want to get him [Trump] to the games, we’ve even got a special ball for President Trump, hopefully, we’ll see him today, we might pass the ball to him." Woods’ appearance added a personal touch to the invitation, making it more accessible and relatable to American audiences.
The NRL’s Broader Promotion Strategy
The NRL has been actively promoting the Las Vegas double header through various channels. Besides Gould’s and V’Landys’ efforts, the league has also reached out to pop icon Rick Astley, a huge Warrington Wolves fan, to help publicize the event. The quartet of matches includes the Raiders, Warriors, Panthers, and Sharks, and will be a significant spectacle. Additionally, Super League rivals Warrington and Wigan will face off in the gambling mecca. In a historical first, the Jillaroos will take on England in a women’s Test match at Allegiant Stadium, further diversifying the event and highlighting the growing importance of women’s rugby league.
The Anticipation Builds
As the event approaches, anticipation is building among fans and organizers alike. The NRL’s multifaceted promotional strategy, involving key figures like Gould, V’Landys, and Woods, demonstrates a concerted effort to introduce rugby league to a broader American audience. While the invitation to Trump has sparked varied reactions, it has undoubtedly generated buzz and interest in the sport. Whether Trump will attend remains to be seen, but the NRL’s Las Vegas double header is poised to be a memorable and exciting event for rugby league fans around the world.
