Paul Wellens is embracing his new role as assistant coach of the North Queensland Cowboys as they prepare for a historic match in Las Vegas. The former St Helens star will be on the sidelines when his team faces the Newcastle Knights at the Allegiant Stadium in the NRL's latest international showcase.

The Allegiant Stadium game represents a significant moment for rugby league's expansion into the American market. Wellens, who took up his assistant coaching position with the Cowboys earlier this season, sees this as a wonderful opportunity to expose the sport to new audiences. The match forms part of the NRL's strategy to grow its global footprint beyond traditional strongholds in Australia and New Zealand.

For Wellens, the transition from player to coach has been seamless, with the 42-year-old bringing his extensive experience to the Cowboys' coaching staff. The Las Vegas fixture against the Knights will be particularly noteworthy as it marks one of the first NRL regular-season games played on American soil. The match could prove pivotal in determining early-season standings for both teams.