Williams family to live ultimate Las Vegas dream
amidst the celebrations of wigan warriors completing a historic grand slam, one family left old trafford with a once in a lifetime trip to las vegas.
For a Wigan-mad family, a dream became a reality when 14-year-old Ellery Williams caught a ball that earnt him a ticket to Saturday’s historic Betfred Super League clash against Warrington Wolves at the Allegiant Stadium.
Former Warrior Kevin Brown, who was working for broadcasters at the Super League Grand Final, approached the Stretford End at half time with a Las Vegas themed rugby ball which would send one lucky family to the United States.
Benefitting from a fumble, the ball fell kindly into Ellery’s hands leaving the teenager shocked and speechless after winning a trip to Las Vegas alongside dad Keith, mum Kerry and twin brother Joel.
“The ball hit the finger tips of the person in front and fell into me,” Ellery described. “I felt a load of emotions – nervous, mad – as I was still unsure what had happened and if it was real so I just kept tight hold of the ball. We knew the competition was happening but we never thought we’d stand a chance of winning.”
The revelation came as an even bigger surprise for dad Keith when he returned from the concourse.
“I’d nipped down to the toilet and to grab a pint so I missed the ball being thrown in,” he said. “The lads had to wait for me to come back up before we went and gave our details to someone from the RFL, who said they’d be in contact.
“The second half kicked off and we were all still sat there just looking at each other as we couldn’t believe what had happened. Everyone around us were sending their congratulations, but at that time we were still too shocked to take it all in.”
The Williams family were invited to Robin Park Arena to watch the Warriors train ahead of their Super League win over Hull FC. The afternoon allowed Ellery and Joel to meet players and coaches, as well as the chance to get the ball signed from the Grand Final.
“It was great to meet and chat to all the players in person,” Ellery said. “It’s different watching from the stands as up close they’re a lot bigger – I couldn’t believe Junior Nsemba. It was great to watch training and see how fast the ball moves around without mistakes. It was a fantastic experience.”
The Williams family, alongside Wigan Warriors hooker Brad O’Neill and Women’s head coach Denis Betts, travelled to Las Vegas on Wednesday morning. With an action-packed itinerary planned ahead of a first visit to the United States, the family described their excitement levels ahead of departure.
“We’ve been counting down the months, weeks and days for so long, so now our excitement is through the roof,” Keith described. “We’ve a few activities arranged by the Club such as watching training and visiting Fremont Street. We have a free day on Friday but we are still unsure whether to book something like The STRAT Tower or just go exploring. We’re all buzzing as there’s so much to do which we cannot wait to start.”
The hugely anticipated Super League showdown will take place inside the Allegiant Stadium which is home to National Football League outfit, Las Vegas Raiders. For avid NFL follower Keith, visiting the 65,000 capacity arena will complete a magical trip.
“The match being played at the Allegiant Stadium tops it all off,” he said. “I’ve been an NFL fan since I was a kid and I watch the Las Vegas Raiders every week. For sure it will be even more special visiting the Allegiant – it’s going to be a cracker.”
