For Lachlan Croker, it was all worth the blood and sweat.

Lachlan Croker was standing in Allegiant Stadium’s massive home dressing room, taking everything in.

Shortly after defeating South Sydney in the historic season opener in Las Vegas, the Manly hooker and his teammates joyfully shouted the Sea Eagles victory song for the first time in season 2024.

Croker looked just like the man who gave it his all in his first game of 2024, wearing his beloved number nine jersey and flashing some new and old battle scars on his forehead.

“This is football’s greatest feature. Having a beer with your friends while sitting in a jersey drenched in perspiration and blood, Croker thought to himself.

“It is the reason I will continue to play football and to play the way I play.”

Many of the Americans who were watching rugby league for the first time would have been impressed by Croker’s bravery in taking on and defeating some much larger men than himself.

Croker again performed admirably in the tackle count, as he does each week, and he even crossed for a try in front of more than 40,000 spectators at a stadium known as “The Death Star.”

It’s challenging to describe. Croker said, “I kind of took a few minutes to look around and feel the atmosphere in this joint, sitting on the bench there towards the end.”

“I noticed the loudness as I looked up at the roof; it was definitely something we had never heard or seen at a stadium like this back home.

“It’s all worth it when we perform like we did and rejoice in the changing room.

A sizable cheer squad from Croker was present as well, and they would have found their voice when the lad representing the Crookwell Green Devils dashed over to score a traditional dummy half try.

“It’s absurd; just thinking about it makes my eyes water and gives me shivers,” Croker said.

It was nice to have my family here before Captain’s Run and to have them around. I am aware of how much they like seeing me perform. I’m very appreciative.

Numerous acquaintances from back home, along with my partner’s family, traveled with us. With their help throughout my career, I’ve been quite fortunate.

“Thinking about these kinds of nights before the game just makes it all worthwhile.”

After resting up following their flight back from Las Vegas, the Sea Eagles resumed training today in preparation for their thrilling matchup with the Sydney Roosters, another Vegas winner, at 4 Pines Park on Sunday.