Footy boss Peter V’landys reveals he stole from the White House because of a dare from Today co-host Karl Stefanovic: ‘I can’t get that back’
- ARLC boss is in the US to promote the NRL
- Was invited to the White House
- Provided with a cheeky souvenir
He may be on a diplomatic mission to bring the NRL to the United States, but that didn’t stop ARL Commission Chairman Peter V’landys from dropping an item from the White House at the urging of TV star Karl Stefanovic steal.
V’landys is currently in the US trying to sell the 2024 NRL season opening doubleheader at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
The Manly Sea Eagles face the South Sydney Rabbitohs while the Sydney Roosters compete with the Broncos for competition points.
As part of the charm offensive, V’landys was invited to the White House, where he met US President Joe Biden.
And he admits that he stole a small souvenir while visiting the First Family in Washington.
ARLC Chairman Peter V’Landys was dared to steal something from the White House by Today co-host Karl Stefanovic
Speaking live on Channel Nine’s Today, V’landys revealed how he put his dare into action.
“I actually sent Pete a message yesterday saying, ‘Can you steal something from the White House for me?'” Today co-host Karl Stefanovic said.
“And did you?” co-host Sarah Abo added.
“Yes, I actually did; “Just a knife and a fork,” V’landys joked.
The Today show co-hosts erupted in hysterics and Abo added, “I can’t get that back.”
V’landys is not the only Australian diplomat in the US at the moment, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is also visiting America and meeting the President.
President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conclude their remarks in the Rose Garden of the White House during a news conference in Washington
Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, will host an NRL doubleheader to kick off the 2024 season
“Our prime minister, who was fantastic here – he was really impressive and a statesman,” V’landys added.
“I went to every event and he was excited to promote Australia.”
“He actually said, ‘To all the Australians in the room, please don’t take the silverware,’ but I wasn’t listening; I just took the knife and fork.’
V’landys is confident the NRL can break new ground in the United States, despite many failed attempts to bring the sport to America in the past.
“It exceeded our expectations and popularity, and the trip to Vegas was really a win for us,” V’landys said.
“We have 340 million potential customers in the US.” If we get one percent of those customers, we will exceed our sales in Australia. The market here is so big and we are very confident in our product.
“We believe we have the best game for everyone, and I think Americans will love it.”
“It’s a five-year plan and if we go into their market, Las Vegas, the sports capital of the world, and sell our game, I think we can get those subscriptions.”