NRL supremo's decision to invite Donald Trump to Las Vegas games blows up in his face

The NRL has defended the decision to invite Donald Trump to its Las Vegas fixtures after an anti-domestic violence charity severed ties with the league over what it called a 'tone deaf' offer.

White Ribbon penned a letter to the NRL this week that ended a partnership dating back to 2008, citing the league's decision to associate with 'well-known perpetrators of abuse and violence against women'.

The letter, seen by AAP, did not specifically reference Trump, but it is understood a VIP invitation to the American president was at the centre of the charity's concerns.

Trump, a convicted felon, was found liable for the sexual abuse and defamation of E Jean Carroll in a civil case in 2023 and ordered to pay the journalist and author $5 million.

Australian Rugby League chair Peter V'landys directly addressed Trump in a public video ahead of the league's second foray into the American market, which kicks off at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday (AEDT).

'Mr President, we want to introduce you to the toughest game on Earth, rugby league, in the world's sport and entertainment capital, Las Vegas,' V'Landys said in the video.

UFC boss Dana White had also been approached by NRL club Canberra with an offer to blow the customary Viking Horn ahead of kick-off in Vegas.

White was caught on camera slapping his wife in a Mexican night club on New Year's Eve in 2022.

As of Wednesday evening local time, Trump had not accepted the invitation, but White is believed to be unavailable to attend because of a scheduling clash.

The NRL remains hopeful Trump may still attend the four games, and was adamant it was appropriate to invite him.

'We are playing this match in America, we are being hosted by America. Last year we invited (then-president) Joe Biden, this year we invited Donald Trump,' NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Las Vegas.

'That's not to say we have any political affiliation with any party.

'Sending an invite to the sitting president of this country is appropriate and that's what we did.'

Abdo insisted the NRL remained committed to inclusion.

'We're about bringing people together no matter what your political beliefs, no matter your background. We're a sport for everyone, the greatest game for all,' he said.

White Ribbon and the NRL first officially partnered in 2008 under the administration of former chief executive David Gallop, but the two organisations had not undertaken work with each other since 2020.

But the league had still listed White Ribbon as a partner on its website, which has since been removed at the request of the charity.

The letter also suggested the invitations be rescinded by the NRL, flagging the league's responsibility to promote a culture of safety for its fans.

It also questioned whether most NRL supporters would actually approve of the invitations.

White Ribbon chief executive Merinda March told AAP in a statement that it was 'disappointing and frankly, tone deaf' for the NRL to associate themselves with 'well-known perpetrators' of violence against women.

'While the NRL has continued to promote their association with us, this decision by the NRL is wildly misaligned with our values and lacks integrity and respect,' March said.

'We believe the fans and participants of the NRL - almost half of whom are female - deserve better. They deserve the values of respect, integrity and fair play - both on and off the field.

'We call on them now to appeal to the administrators of their beloved sport to represent them with these values on the world stage.'

White Ribbon is open to reactivating its partnership with the NRL in future - under one condition.

'When the NRL is ready to commit to an authentic zero-tolerance stance to abuse and violence against women, White Ribbon Australia would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss an opportunity to collaborate on an organisation-wide intervention,' March said.