Two NRL players evicted from Las Vegas hotel after scuffle…
After a night out on Thursday, February 20, 2025 (approximately), a hotel booking glitch left Smithies without a room at the Hilton Resorts World. He asked Young to share his room, but Young declined. The disagreement escalated into a scuffle inside an elevator, where Smithies even suggested they wrestle to decide who’d get the room. During the tussle, an inflatable baseball bat—which had been purchased earlier—was mistaken by security for a weapon. One of the players also accidentally triggered an emergency alarm inside the elevator, prompting security to review footage from the hotel’s 5,000‑camera surveillance system. At that point, the pair were asked to leave the hotel—but were later re-admitted once the club and hotel staff intervened.
On Monday, February 24, 2025 local time (Tuesday AEDT), Young and Smithies faced the media in Las Vegas to apologize publicly. They expressed embarrassment, took responsibility, and emphasized that they’re “best mates” and the incident was isolated. Coach Ricky Stuart condemned the behavior as “unacceptable,” and the club pledged to respond firmly.
Initially there were no immediate sanctions, and both players were anticipated to play in the season opener against the Warriors at Allegiant Stadium. However, on March 17, 2025, the NRL Integrity Unit issued breach notices to both players for conduct that “brought the game and club into disrepute.” The notices remain pending until the players formally respond.
The incident unfolded during the NRL’s second consecutive season-opening week in Las Vegas—a high-profile promotional push featuring four NRL matches and an English Super League game. Despite the hiccup involving Young and Smithies, the event largely succeeded as a showcase spectacle and a bid to expand rugby league’s presence in the U.S. market.
Incident Elevator scuffle over accommodation; inflatable bat mistaken as weapon
Eviction Briefly evicted, then allowed back after club/hotel intervention
Apology Publicly apologized in Las Vegas on Feb 24, 2025
Disciplinary action Breach notices issued mid-March, pending players’ formal response
Event context Part of broader NRL season opener in Las Vegas
If you’d like more insights—such as footage, deeper quotes, or updates on the final outcome of the breach notices—just let me know
