Collingwood ruckman Mason Cox has supported the idea of the AFL playing games in the USA off the back of the NRL's success in Las Vegas.
"It's great to see Australian sport on the international stage," Cox told media members on Monday ahead of Opening Round.
"What [the NRL] are doing over there in Allegiant Stadium is big press for NRL over there and for rugby in the US."
Vegas recorded over 45,000 spectators at the day-long event, an increase from the 31,927 that attended in 2024. Four games were played across the day, headlined by two major NRL blockbusters and an English Super League clash.
"You can definitely see the benefits, if you look at the Olympics and how much media coverage that and everything else got, rugby's going really well in being able to reach that international market. Hopefully the AFL can invest in it to be able to do the same," Cox said.
Cox also addressed his approaching return after suffering a broken finger at training in February, but stated that an appearance in Opening Round won't happen.
"Hopefully I can play Round 1. Everything is cleared after this weekend, so that's the timeframe at the moment," Cox said. "
"Brayden Maynard I believe is totally fine too and was just managed for the pre-season game... he should be good to go for Round 0."
The Collingwood group are thrilled to have Nick Daicos in the leadership group, as Cox praised the young superstar's growth on and off the field.
"We all look to Nick as an incredible generational talent," Cox said.
"He's someone who is continuously looking for ways to improve to be able to get his game better and that's why he's in our leadership group this year.
"As a young player, it comes with a bit of responsibility obviously, but as a club we couldn't be happier to have him in our leadership group."
The Magpies will play GWS in the final game of Opening Round on Sunday at the Giants' Engie Stadium.
