Canberra Raiders star Xavier Savage captivated the NRL community with his engagement to long-time partner Taliah Simbolon, which took place against the stunning backdrop of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino fountains in Las Vegas. The proposal, intricately planned with the help of teammate Sam Gibson, caught Simbolon off guard as she believed they were merely posing for team photos.
'Writing the next chapter in our love story,' the couple declared on social media, sharing four heartfelt pictures from the moment. Savage's romantic gesture came just hours before his teammates, Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies, found themselves embroiled in controversy after being ejected from their hotel for a drunken brawl.
Although the joyful engagement announcement sparked celebratory messages from fellow Raiders, the incident involving the two players quickly overshadowed the occasion. Reports indicate the altercation arose due to miscommunication related to room bookings, and it escalated alarmingly when one of the players inadvertently pressed the emergency button, summoning hotel security.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart addressed the situation, stating the players' actions were 'unacceptable.' Following the brawl, both Young and Smithies were removed from the hotel temporarily but were later allowed to return. Despite the controversy, both players are expected to feature in the Raiders' lineup as they gear up for their Round 1 clash against the New Zealand Warriors.
Simbolon, reflecting on the moment she was proposed to, expressed her surprise at the engagement. Initially thinking it was merely another opportunity for team photos, she was eventually taken aback as Savage went down on one knee. 'Oh yay free pics,' she thought at the time, only to realize the significance of the moment. Simbolon humorously recounted, 'How did I fall for this?'
Support for the newly engaged couple poured in from across the NRL community. Teammate Jamal Fogarty expressed pride, commenting, 'Proud of you my son,' as Matthew Timoko and Josh Papalii also offered their congratulations. Cronulla Sharks star Nicho Hynes chimed in with enthusiasm, 'Hecticcc! Congratulations fam,' adding to the joy surrounding the couple's announcement.
Savage, who originally hails from Cairns, has made significant strides since debuting for the Raiders in 2021. He has played 47 matches so far, scoring 24 tries with 15 of those during his breakout 2024 season. Recently, he signed a contract extension with the Raiders, securing his position with the team until the end of 2027.
The Raiders' trip to Las Vegas was part of the NRL's 2025 season opener, which included other significant teams such as the Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sharks. The players were joined by their families, setting the perfect stage for Savage's engagement proposal. Yet this celebratory atmosphere was starkly contrasted by the chaos from the hotel incident.
For Savage, the brawl involving his teammates is disheartening, as his engagement should have been the highlight of the trip. 'I guess it's mixed feelings,' he might have felt, balancing the happiness of his engagement with the distress of his teammates' actions. Nevertheless, the Raiders remain focused on their upcoming match, which will be pivotal as they seek to start their season on the right foot.
The duality of celebration and controversy emphasizes the pressures athletes face and the high stakes of their public personas. With their eyes now set on the field, both Savage and his teammates know they must navigate the excitement and distractions of being professional athletes.