Rugby league's great Las Vegas gamble has paid off on the first roll of the dice, with more than 40,000 fans packing into Allegiant Stadium as the NRL took over the city to kick off the 2024 season. Danny Weidler Danika Mason #9News FULL REPORT: nine.social/A5W

Blues star Jarome Luai was quite literally out of his depth as a trip to a wave pool today ended in drama for the New South Wales Origin side. Laui had to be fished out of the water, but thankfully, the only damage was to his pride. Danny Weidler #9News

Blues enforcer Liam Martin is aware he's fast becoming the most hated man in Queensland but it's not something that keeps him awake at night. Danny Weidler #9News

It's not just Queensland that New South Wales will have to overcome in the Origin decider, it's also a history of lopsided penalty counts at Suncorp Stadium. #9News Danny Weidler

When Zac Lomax soared into the Melbourne sky to score a memorable Origin try, he cemented his place as one of the game's best wingers. But it's a position widely thought he doesn't want to play - now he's set the record straight. Danny Weidler #9News

The Blues have touched-down in Brisbane as they prepare to defy history and win Wednesday's Origin decider. Usually a fan favourite at Suncorp Stadium. New South Wales enforcer Payne Haas is ready to lead his state to Origin glory and inspire his siblings. #9News

Michael Maguire is prepared to tap into the greatest sporting minds in an effort to bring down Queensland in the Origin decider. Danny Weidler #9News

MItch Barnett was so keen to soak up every minute of his Origin experience he didn't leave camp for the birth of his second child. Danny Weidler #9News

The Blues were blasted off the park in game one and responded with a record-breaking performance in game two. Tonight, it all comes down to this. Danny Weidler Mike Dalton #9News WATCH LIVE: stream.9now.com.au/SDAnKPoVgLb

For New South Wales players it doesn't get any more intimidating than an Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium, but there are two Blues stars who'll relish the hostile atmosphere tonight. Danny Weidler #9News

#EXCLUSIVE: Blues fans have a new team of heroes. Michael Maguire's men joined the sides of 1994 and 2005 in winning an Origin decider in Brisbane. Danny Weidler #9News

Soon you'll be able to drive straight from the Westconnex to the airport without a single traffic light or toll. 9News can give you an exclusive first look at Sydney Gateway as officials work to avoid traffic mayhem both on the motorway and at the terminals. #9News

#EXCLUSIVE: In the moments after smothering the Storm, who had been 2024's dominant team, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary declared this year's Grand Final victory the best of them all. But why stop at four? Danny Weidler #NRL #9News

Nathan Cleary is always meticulous about his rehab but the Panthers superstar admits playing in Las Vegas gave him added incentive to make a speedy recovery from shoulder surgery. #9News

The two Raiders players involved in a Las Vegas brawl have apologised for their drunken antics. Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies admit they've embarrassed their team and the NRL - and explained how an inflatable baseball bat became involved in the incident. Danny Weidler #9News

In just its second visit to Las Vegas, the NRL has made such an impact that the game will be honoured with the keys to the city. Danny Weidler #NRL #9News

This year's Las Vegas spectacular is on track to out-do the original, as fans flood to the party strip ahead of Sunday's season opener. And the Panthers have give us a couple of hints into how they're dealing with the big game pressure. Danika Mason Danny Weidler #9News

The Panthers have received a rockstar reception in Las Vegas today, with thousands of NRL superfans travelling across the globe to see their heroes. Danny Weidler #9News

Thousands of people have packed into the NRL's fanfest in Las Vegas today. And the players aren't waiting until Sunday to put on a show; making all the right moves as footy fans took over the city's centre. Danny Weidler #9News

Clubs are clamouring to be part of the NRL's Las Vegas extravaganza - and Canterbury is right in the running to make the trip next year. Danny Weidler #9News