Jaden Laing spreads NRL gospel to South America with Latin Heat

SOUTH  America doesn't ­immediately spring to mind when you think of rugby league strongholds.

SOUTH  America doesn't ­immediately spring to mind when you think of rugby league strongholds.

However with the success of the Rugby League World Cup last year, having a team representing the combined population of 700 million people makes sense.

Campbelltown's Jaden Laing has Chilean heritage and is delighted to represent South America as a member of the Latin Heat team.

Laing said he would love to see the day when rugby league had a foothold in South America.

"I would love that. My grandfather always wanted me to play soccer, but if he saw me representing his country he would definitely be proud of me and ­respect the sport a bit more," Laing said.

The team will play an international against the Philippines at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast on ­January 18.

Latin Heat coach Robert Burgin said people's reaction once they saw the sport on television was positive.

"Once they see it they love it - there's a UFC and mixed martial arts culture, and I'm confident if we get some ­infrastructure in place the game could stand on its feet in South America," he said.

Laing said it would be hard choosing between ­Australia and Chile if he was ever in that position.

"I grew up here but Chile is a culture I grew up with; if I could help them become a rugby league nation, it'd be such an honour," he said.

South America is the last frontier for rugby league with no international teams currently.

LATIN HEAT: Includes countries such as Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay and Argentina

JADEN LAING: Plays for Campbelltown Collegians