Former NFL star Todd Gurley joins Cronulla Sharks training ahead of Las Vegas trip

As the NRL prepared to return to Las Vegas in 2025, former NFL running back Todd Gurley provided a natural connection between two sporting worlds.

His involvement brought an American football perspective to the Cronulla Sharks’ preparations, creating opportunities for player interaction, photography and media coverage on both sides of the Pacific.

A familiar face in a new sporting context

Gurley joined Sharks training in Sydney in January, meeting Nicho Hynes and other players ahead of their season opener against Penrith at Allegiant Stadium. The encounter put a recognisable NFL figure into an authentic rugby league setting, with the players exchanging skills and perspectives.

The visit became a story in its own right. The Daily Telegraph covered Gurley’s appearance at training, while NRL.com reported on his support for the game’s Las Vegas ambitions.

“These guys could play anything; they can catch, they can run, they can throw.”

Todd Gurley · Speaking to NRL.com, January 2025

From Sharks training to Los Angeles

The connection continued when the Sharks arrived in Los Angeles in February. Gurley met the travelling team again, alongside former NFL player Trai Turner, as Cronulla’s preparations moved closer to the Las Vegas opener.

That second encounter gave the campaign continuity: a sporting introduction in Australia followed by a reunion in the United States. It also created a fresh reason for the media to revisit the story.

A sporting story with an editorial life

The collected coverage shows how the activation travelled beyond a single appearance. A Sydney training visit, a Los Angeles reunion and the NRL’s American ambitions gave editors several angles to work with.

The Daily Telegraph’s print feature, “Sharks on show”, brought the Los Angeles activity to life, with images of Gurley, Turner and Sharks players. The story was also promoted on the newspaper’s front page.