Former NRL star Aaron Woods has revealed his wild run-in with Donald Trump’s secret service – and how an innocent rugby league ball almost caused a security incident.

The footy world is gearing up for the start of the 2025 season with last year’s premiers Penrith Panthers set to begin their title defence against the Cronulla Sharks at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on March 2.

The rugby league extravaganza will also see the Canberra Raiders take on the New Zealand Warriors, Super League sides Wigan and Warrington go head-to-head, while the Jillaroos will take on England’s women’s side.

However, getting past Donald Trump’s Secret Service was tougher than he expected. 

‘It got to about 2.30pm in the afternoon, Trump had arrived, and we had to do this grid walk,’ Woods told Triple M’s Beau, Tarsh & Woodsy.

Former footy star Aaron Woods had a run-in with President Donald Trump’s Secret Service

The President’s security didn’t like Woods carrying a football with him, explaining that it could be a bomb

‘All the drivers are on the track standing next to their vehicles, and you’ve got people going in and out, and this was the big promotion for the NRL.

‘They’ve got eight million people watching in America – this was our big moment.

‘We had to go outside the venue and then back in again, through all the scanners and security guards… which is where all the Secret Service were.

‘As we come in, we go through the scanner, but we had the rugby league ball with Trump’s name on it.

‘We weren’t allowed to take it (the football) through because it was already blown up. We asked if we could deflate the ball, and they said no.

‘I was like, “C’mon man, what could it be?”… They said “it could be a bomb that you want to throw at President Trump”.

‘I was like, “C’mon bro”… We gave them a little bit of cheek and so the secret service decided to pat me down.’

Meanwhile, Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys has issued a public address to US President Donald Trump inviting him to watch the NRL in Las Vegas next week.

Woods, who is promoting the NRL matches in Las Vegas next week, got to keep his football

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has issued a public invitation to US President Donald Trump to come to next week’s Las Vegas round

‘Good morning, Mr. President,’ V’landys said during a video message that was aired on the US talk show Fox and Friends on Sunday, while holding a Steden football.

‘I know you watch Fox and Friends, which is a great program that is extremely fair and balanced.

‘Mr President, we want to introduce you to the toughest game on earth, rugby league, in the world’s sport and entertainment capital, Las Vegas.

‘We know you love physical, tough contact sports. There’s no sport more brutal than rugby league.

‘Our players don’t wear pads or helmets. As you know, Mr. President, the US has a trade surplus with Australia, one of the rare countries. You attending will balance this out a bit.

‘Hope to see you at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 1.

‘Thank you, Mr. President, thank you, Fox and Friends.’