Hugh Jackman has returned to New York and will not watch his Manly Sea Eagles play in their historic season-opening doubleheader in Las Vegas.
The 55-year-old Wolverine star was expected to be one of the biggest names in the VIP booth at Allegiant Stadium to support the NRL's latest push into the US market.
But “unforeseen circumstances” forced the Hollywood star to fly home and miss the highly anticipated game, The Daily Telegraph reported on Sunday.
The actor was reportedly spotted in Las Vegas on Saturday (AEDT) but quickly flew back to New York before watching Manly take on the Souths and Brisbane take on the Roosters.
His close friend and Australian sports commentator Gus Worland said the actor was “disheartened to leave”.
Hugh Jackman, 55, has returned to New York and will not watch his Manly Sea Eagles play in their historic season-opening doubleheader in Las Vegas. Pictured supporting Manly against the Roosters in 2015
“He made the effort to come here, but due to unforeseen circumstances he had to return,” Gus explained.
“He was really disappointed. “He was looking forward to wearing his Manly jersey at the game.”
South Sydney Rabbitohs co-owner Russel Crowe also declined to attend the Las Vegas event due to filming commitments in Europe.
The Wolverine star should be one of the biggest names in the VIP booth at Allegiant Stadium to support the NRL's latest push into the US market
However, he has lent his voice to the NRL's official advertising campaign in the US, doing a voice-over for a television advert.
Hugh's absence from the historic game comes as a shock after it was reported in December that he was “keen to be involved in promoting the game” this year.
Manly CEO Tony Mestrov revealed last year that he had been in contact with Hugh and was confident the Australian actor would be involved in the exciting project.
But “unforeseen circumstances” forced the Hollywood star to fly home and miss the highly anticipated game, The Daily Telegraph reported on Sunday. Pictured with Manly Warringah Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler in 2011
“I contacted Hugh via email and there was some correspondence back and forth,” Tony told Yahoo Sport Australia.
“I officially invited him to be a guest at our game and he said he would be there.” He is very interested in being there and thinks the Vegas project is a great idea for the club and the sport as a whole.”
A major coup for the NRL is that the double-header will be shown in prime time in the US on the Fox network.
It represents an invaluable opportunity for the sport to attract new fans and will also be the first time that NRL games will be played outside of Australia or New Zealand.