Ladies and gentlemen, this is rugby league manifest.
Wednesday’s scheduled men’s international between the USA and Greece in Las Vegas suffered a bizarre last-minute call-off due to a floodlight issues which were blamed on copper thieves.
Kick-off was delayed in an effort to rectify problems with the lights at Silverbowl Park, but those were in vain and officials were left with little choice but to abandon the match after two hours of waiting.
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“The USA v Greece match has been called off due to player safety caused by lighting issues at Silverbowl Park, Las Vegas,” a statement from global governing body International Rugby League read.
“The issue was caused by thieves stealing the copper from the light.
“Electricians from Clarke County were unable to rectify the issue.”
It is not unheard of for games in rugby league or other sports to fall victim to floodlight issues.
Notably, a 2023 Betfred Super League match between Leigh Leopards and Huddersfield Giants was halted on 48 minutes with the hosts leading 16-12.
The sides duly returned to Leigh Sports Village 42 hours later to complete the final 32 minutes of the match, resulting in a 34-16 win for the Leopards.
However, the unusual circumstances around the abandonment of a senior men’s international prior to kick-off will ensure this one enters the history books, if not for the right reasons.
It will not be an entirely wasted trip for the Greek team, which features a mix of domestic and Australia-based players, as they are due to face the USA on Friday too, ahead of the four-match rugby league showcase at Allegiant Stadium the following day.
That match forms part of a double-header with the Greek and American women’s teams, although kick-off for both games has now been brought forward in a bid to avoid any floodlight problems.
