Japan-based ex-NRL star backs league expansion in Tokyo
Former NRL star Daniel Vidot has backed the Australian Rugby League Commission’s tentative plans to stage a Global Round game in Japan in 2028.
Tokyo-based Vidot, 36, who played over 100 games for Canberra Raiders, St. George Illawarra, Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans, is now one of the leading international attractions for the flourishing All Japan Pro Wrestling promotion.
The former Samoa international-turned pro wrestler is excited to see the game’s continued international expansion and sees Tokyo as a perfect landing spot for the 13-man game’s premier competition.
"I’m really excited at the idea of seeing top-class Rugby League played over here in Japan,” he told RugbyJP.com.
Media reports in Australia have suggested that glamour clubs Brisbane Broncos and 2026 Grand Finalists Sydney Roosters are in pole position to feature in the inaugural NRL Global Round in 2028 with Hong Kong and England also touted as potential hosts.
Vidot, who scored 12 tries in 31 appearances for the Broncos, said: “To see my hometown team play over here in Japan would be amazing.
“I think the success with rugby league becoming the most watched sport over in Australia is proof that it can definitely succeed in Japan.”
A host of former NRL players currently ply their trade in the 15-man code in Japan’s League One competition including Will Tupou, Semi Radradra and Valynce Te Whare while the Roosters’ box office wing Mark Nawaqanitawase will switch back to union and join Saitama Wild Knights in November.
North Queensland Cowboys centre Viliami Vailea has signed for division two Japanese side Kintetsu Liners whose ranks includes two-time World Cup-winning Springbok Manie Libbok while Wallabies legend Quade Cooper is on their coaching ticket.
Vidot is a former age-group teammate of ex-Cowboys wing Tupou who has enjoyed a highly-successful and lucrative career in union – including representing the Brave Blossoms at their home World Cup in 2019 - since moving to Japan in 2014.
“I’ve known Will since we were teenagers playing in a couple of rep teams together growing up.
"Hopefully we can go together and watch an NRL here in Japan in the future.”
Well-travelled Vidot, who made his Japan wrestling debut last year after a six-year stint with American colossus WWE, is still playing league on the international stage.
The former Salford Red Devils powerhouse has represented the USA Hawks since 2024 on residency grounds and will briefly put squared circle duties on hold to face Wales at The Wern, the home of Merthyr RFC, in Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday 17 October.
"All Japan Pro Wrestling is very supportive and love that I still have a passion for rugby league so I’m very blessed to be able to do both.
“I’ve been there to Wales before in my early 20’s for the Australian Institute of sport team so I’m really looking forward to returning and hopefully getting a win over there.”
The USA team is ranked 21st in the world while hosts Wales are 13th and Vidot is targeting another scalp for ex-Newcastle Knights prop Adam Woolnough’s ever-improving side.
“We’ve beaten South Africa and Scotland so we definitely want to add Wales to that list and I definitely think we have the right team to do it,” said Vidot who crashed through four defenders to score in his adopted country’s 28-20 win over Scotland in February.
“I was sitting at 124kgs two weeks ago and now I’m down to 120kgs. My goal is 115kgs by the time I leave in a couple weeks so yes definitely been working hard to get my match fitness ready.”
Wales Rugby League will offer a live stream of the International Test Match on pay-per-view live streaming platform Lounges TV
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