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\u201cAnd I know he does \u2018em well,\u201d coach Justin Holbrook told us soon after.<\/p>\n
So if it were anyone else?<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d he grinned, \u201cI might\u2019ve been worried\u201d.<\/p>\n
But not tonight.<\/p>\n
No, in what has already been confirmed as the biggest NRL Fremont Street experience ever, a crowd of over 16,000 fans transformed this most famous of strips into one of Australia\u2019s coolest ever street parties.<\/p>\n
Over the course of about 90 minutes, all six NRL and English Super League teams took their turn walking the red carpet \u2013 Leeds, Hull KR, North Queensland, Newcastle, St George Illawarra, and finally, the Bulldogs.<\/p>\n
Forget Elvis Presley, on this night the only king any cared about was Gutho.<\/p>\n
While Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga, he also received a huge pop.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is wild,\u201d KP said. \u201cIt\u2019s insane.<\/p>\n
Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n Kalyn Ponga soaks up Freemont St.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cTo see so many fans here, it\u2019s awesome. Let\u2019s make some noise Knights fans, let me hear you.\u201d<\/p>\n Then, they did.<\/p>\n Apart from the wide-eyed players, every team was supported by cheerleaders, flag bearers, mascots, coaching staff, and enough adrenaline, we reckon, to keep a young bloke wired for hours.<\/p>\n Older blokes, too. <\/p>\n \u201cThis is crazy,\u201d Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo agreed when interviewed on stage, and looking about crowd that was heavily painted blue and white.<\/p>\n \u201cThe boys are all so pumped. So excited.<\/p>\n Stephen Crichton oozes cool on Freemont St.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cThank you everyone for coming. Let\u2019s make it feel like a home game on Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n Asked by an American MC what locals could expect from his daaawgs, Ciraldo replied: \u201cExpect to see a team that works hard, works together.<\/p>\n \u201cA team that believes in what they\u2019re doing. A team that hustles for 80 minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n Crichton, meanwhile, also revealed his shades were actually Meta sunglasses \u2013 and recording what is quickly becoming one of the craziest events in Australian sport.<\/p>\n He added that, come day here the world\u2019s entertainment capital \u201cthe boys will be ready to rock \u2018n roll\u201d.<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n \u2018BUY OR SELL\u2019: Final verdict on Broncos saga; what\u2019s real in Eels hype<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018WHAT, REALLY?!\u2019: Brown opens up on $13m call as Matty reveals \u2018class\u2019 act<\/a><\/p>\n DRAGONS: Flanno made a $5m statement… but a roster \u2018concern\u2019 could set them back<\/a><\/p>\n Can Galvin & Burton work in the halves? | 07:17<\/p>\n Dragons coach Shane Flanagan, meanwhile, heaped praise on the incredible numbers, saying: \u201cWe\u2019re in Las Vegas and to have this support — fantastic\u201d.<\/p>\n Here, truly, was a night full of joy.<\/p>\n A truth proved by new Cowboy Reed Mahoney continually being stopped by not only Townsville supporters, but scores of fans from his old club Canterbury.<\/p>\n \u201cWhich is great,\u201d he told us. \u201cI\u2019m happy to know I left in a good place with them.\u201d<\/p>\n Elsewhere, Knights star Bradman Best conceded he hasn\u2019t yet met up with American heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, but two days out from the game is still pestering future-father-in-law Jeff Fenech to make it happen.<\/p>\n Clint Gutherson is mobbed by Dragons fans.Source: AFP<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t given up,\u201d he grinned.<\/p>\n Nor could the bar staff along Fremont Street, where the beers are served in plastic cups about the size of, say, Dogs prop Max King.<\/p>\n A fella who dived right into the atmosphere on stage, busting out some of Michael Jackson\u2019s Thriller moves.<\/p>\n Get all the latest news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports NRL Sportmail. Sign up now!!! <\/a><\/p>\n ‘Ponga will almost play like a half’ | 03:08<\/p>\n Indeed, on this night a host of players danced. <\/p>\n And shouted out the fans.<\/p>\n And just to ensure it remained overwhelmingly Australian, comedian Jim Jeffries dropped a couple of expletives on stage. Ditto Australia\u2019s cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia, who was playing the role of Random Souths Guy.<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely a Bunnies fan,\u201d he told us. \u201cI bleed f***ing Blue too.<\/p>\n Reed Mahoney soaks up the chaos.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cI know there is some confusion because I\u2019m living in Queensland, but I\u2019m a New South Welshman.\u201d<\/p>\n Asked soon after on stage for a take, Opetaia shouted: \u201cThis is f***ing crazy. Look at Australia \u2026 this is something to be proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n Absolutely.<\/p>\n 2026 SEASON PREVIEWS<\/p>\n SEA EAGLES: Big unknown in new era… and superstar facing make-or-break year<\/a><\/p>\n DOLPHINS: They are the ultimate entertainers… but can\u2019t ignore darker reality<\/a><\/p>\n