Canadian union giant catches the eye of NRL club and coaches at Las Vegas combine

A Canadian-based representative rugby union player chosen to compete in rugby league’s Las Vegas combine insists he can crack it in the NRL. WATCH HIS HIGHLIGHTS

A Canadian-based representative rugby union player chosen to compete in rugby league’s Las Vegas combine insists he can “crack a roster” and will “one day succeed” in the NRL.

Utility player Marcus D’Acre, who stands at 198cm and weighs nearly 100kg, is one of nine players – five men and four women – approved to compete in the combine with a further 41 male and female players to be added before the Vegas extravaganza next March.

After hearing about his size and mobility, NRL clubs have already expressed curiosity in D’Acre.

NRL 2025 Vegas Combine hopeful Marcus D’Acre. Picture: Instagram/queensgaels

Australian-born D’Acre, who lives in Ontario, has played top-level rugby union in America, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore.

“I am 6’5”, weigh 97 kgs and have good aerial abilities. Offloading and beating defenders are attributes I have developed playing in the centres over recent years, and I’d like to think that I’m quick,” said D’Acre, aged 20.

“I have played fly-half for most of my life, so I do have the ability to distribute as well. I’d say one of my better skills would be my boot.

“I believe I have the physique and skill to play rugby league. I am also a competitor who loves a good challenge.

“With the right guidance I can learn rugby league, and potentially, over time, crack a roster. From there it would take some time for me to develop the necessary skills (but) I do believe I can one day succeed.

D'Acre's stats for the Las Vegas combine.

“Rugby league looks very tough technically and physically. The shapes they play are very accurate, and the speed at which they play is very quick. Not only that, but there are also some huge hits, which I am super excited for.

“Given I am Australian, going back and playing in my father’s country would mean a lot to me and my family. New challenges always make me excited, and this might just be my biggest one yet.”

Four athletes – two men, two women – from the field who meet minimum standard performances will be chosen from the combine by the NRL to travel to Australia and train for up to a fortnight with an elite rugby league team.

D'Acre plays top-level union. Picture: Instagram/queensgaels

“Rugby league is one of the best sports in the world. It’s very entertaining, and takes a high level of cardiovascular strength to play,” he said.

“I’ve been playing rugby union for 17 years. I began playing in Singapore at age three and my family and I then moved to Canada where I’d play for my current club Oakville Crusaders.

“In 2021, I went to boarding school for a year at St. Andrews College, Christchurch and then came back to Canada.

“I represented Hong Kong in the under 20s World Trophy and played sevens with the Canadian and Hong Kong development teams.”

All players will be evaluated for potential talent and tested in speed, agility, strength and skill-based tests.

Players will also be tested for neck and groin strength, leaping, sprints, kicking, catching, evasions, passing and tackling.

International athletes wanting to pursue rugby league are encouraged to log their interest. Ultimately, 25 men and women will enter the combine. The first combine intake included players from Canada, America, Mexico, Jamaica and Columbia.

The UFC will help with the vetting process by overseeing physical and strength testing at the UFC’s Las Vegas Performance Institute.

US-based talent scouts – including former NRL player David Niu and ex-US rugby 7s women’s Olympic coach Chris Brown – are connecting prospective athletes with the NRL.