Viva Las Vegas for hospital staff

As soon as it was announced the North Queensland Cowboys would be playing in the United States of America, Townsville University Hospital’s Michelle Watson was booking her ticket to Las Vegas. 

The director of occupational therapy is one of more than seven Townsville Hospital and Health Service staff members who have made the trek to the US to watch the NRL season opener at Allegiant Stadium this Sunday. 

“I have been planning this since it was announced the Cowboys were going,” Ms Watson said. 

“I am a rugby league tragic and a Cowboys fan, so it was something I knew I couldn’t miss.” 

The Cowboys will play their opening game of the NRL season against the Newcastle Knights at the home of the Las Vegas Raiders NFL side. 

Ms Watson, who is travelling with her niece—a devoted Cowboys supporter—expects the atmosphere to be unlike anything the sport has seen before. 

“The atmosphere will be electric, and the stadium looks absolutely epic,” she said. 

“This will be one of those ‘I was there’ moments.” 

While it may seem like a long way to go for a game of footy, Ms Watson said she wouldn’t be surprised if she bumped into a few colleagues while in Vegas. 

“It was surprising to hear so many from the health service have gone, but I expect to see plenty of familiar faces and hear lots of Aussie twang on the Strip,” she said. 

“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but I am sure we will all have some great stories to share. 

“While the game will definitely be the highlight, I am looking forward to also spending some time with my niece and seeing some of the sites like the Grand Canyon.”