Hugh Jackman has rushed back to New York and won’t be watching his Manly Sea Eagles play during their historic season-opening double-header in Las Vegas.

The Wolverine star, 55, was set to be one of the biggest names in the VIP booth at Allegiant Stadium to support the NRL’s latest push into the US market. 

But ‘unforeseen circumstances’ have forced the Hollywood star to jet back home and miss out on the highly anticipated game, reported The Daily Telegraph on Sunday.

The actor was reportedly spotted in Las Vegas on Saturday (AEDT), but quickly flew back to New York before he could watch Manly face off against Souths, and Brisbane fight the Roosters. 

His close friend and Australian sports commentator Gus Worland said the actor ‘was gutted to leave’.

Hugh Jackman, 55, has rushed back to New York and won’t be watching his Manly Sea Eagles play during their historic season-opening double-header in Las Vegas. Pictured supporting Manly against the Roosters in 2015

‘He made the effort to come here, but due to unforeseen circumstances he had to go back,’ Gus explained. 

‘He was really disappointed. He was looking forward to wearing his Manly jersey to the game.’ 

South Sydney Rabbitohs co-owner Russel Crowe has also denied his attendance at the Las Vegas event due to filming commitments in Europe.

The Wolverine star was set to be one of the biggest names in the VIP booth at Allegiant Stadium to support the NRL’s latest push into the US market

However, he has lent his voice the NRL’s official advertising campaign in the US by doing a voice-over for a TV advertisement. 

Hugh’s absence from the historic game comes as a shock after it was reported in December he was ‘very keen to be involved’ with its promotion this year.

Manly CEO Tony Mestrov revealed last year he had been in contact with Hugh and was confident the Aussie actor would be involved in the exciting venture.

But ‘unforeseen circumstances’ have forced the Hollywood star to jet back home and miss out on the highly anticipated game, reported The Daily Telegraph on Sunday. Pictured with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler in 2011

‘I have reached out to Hugh via email and there has been a bit of back and forward correspondence,’ Tony told Yahoo Sport Australia.

‘I have officially invited him to be a guest at our game and he has indicated he will be there. He is very keen to be involved and thinks the Vegas venture is a great idea for the club and the game as a whole.’

In a major coup for the NRL, the double header will be shown in prime time in the US via the Fox network.

It poses a priceless opportunity for the sport to attract new fans, and will also mark the first time NRL matches have been staged outside of Australia or New Zealand.