Inside the NRL Las Vegas Combine: The American athletes vying to become rugby league stars

Fifty hopefuls will get their shot at joining the NRL and NRLW via the Las Vegas combine this weekend. Find out exactly who is going to compete and what they have to do.

This is the red haired Washington rugby model ready to take the NRLW by storm as a host of former ex-NFL players also line up for crack at the NRL.

Twenty five men and women will this weekend take part in a historic rugby league combine with two men and two women earning a chance to secure an NRL contract when they train in Australia.

For the first time, a host of names can be revealed with NFL, rugby, basketball and volleyball athletes among those taking part in Las Vegas. Among them are two sets of brothers who will also compete against each other for an NRL development contract worth $80,000.

Model and former college rugby player Marisa Hall hopes her prayers will be answered at the combine.

“I am excited to see what God has in store for me and hopefully it’s a one-way ticket to Australia,” Hall said.

SCROLL DOWN TO HEAR FROM THE COMBINE HOPEFULS

Former St George halfback David Niu, who spearheaded rugby league’s crack in the US, has played a key part in tracking down the athletes.

Niu said there was genuine optimism that the NRL could unearth the game’s next best talent at the combine.

“Having a combine makes total sense,” Niu said. “It’s a testing process American athletes are familiar with and will be motivated to have a crack at if there is an opportunity for a professional contract.

“They won’t be afraid of the challenge…what I see as a longer term play is to have multiple, year round combines that are managed from a centrally based location in the US. They either make it in a pro-environment overseas, or they become part of the talent pool of US players available in local competitions around the country. A win for the NRL and for the US competitions.”

Isaiah Bowser was once contracted to the Buffalo Bills as a running back while Kris Leach spent time with the Denver Broncos. Chrys Lane gained a reputation as a tackling machine in college while NRLW hopefuls Marisa Hall and Liz Tafuna have stood-out at playing rugby.

50 athletes will compete at the NRL combine in America.

COMBINE HOPEFULS

Dorian Bowie

“I started playing American football at the age of nine then began to try other sports like basketball and track & field to further develop my athletic skills. I realised that I was a difference maker. I have been focusing on stamina, speed & strength to prepare myself for the combine. The plan consists of a lower or upper or lower body workout in the gym then a transition to the field or track depending on the day. I’ve also begun to watch several of the pre-season games to get a better understanding of how the game is played.

“I am capable of playing fullback in rugby league. Fullbacks have to be versatile & I think I am the perfect candidate for that role with my explosiveness, agility and game time decision making.”

Dorian Bowie.

Patrick McKenzie

“I’ve watched a few promo videos and some highlights. I’ve skimmed through the law book to get a basic understanding, but I have much to learn. I think I would be best suited for the back row. I’ve played loose forward in rugby. I’m a bigger guy who I think moves well for my size.

“My little brother (Andrew) will be attending. He’s scrappy, aggressive, and athletic.”

Andrew McKenzie

“I found out about the rugby league combine through my summer rugby coach, Coach Niu when he sent me some promo videos and the link to submit my application. I was interested and followed the NRL Instagram and watched some highlights and big plays, the game looked incredibly fun.

“I do not know much about the rugby league for I am more experienced with rugby union and their rules from playing 7s. But I am watching YouTube videos on the differences and rules, like there are no rucks in the NRL and one has to roll the ball back using their foot after they are tackled. I think I could play on the wing.

“I am excited to compete against my brother. Well, I have been competing with him all my life and it has always been exciting for me. From leftovers in the fridge to wrestling in the living room, Patrick and I have always been competitive as well as my other two brothers.”

Patrick and Andrew McKenzie.

Ian Deal

“I am pretty familiar with the rules of rugby league. My father played for the USA Tomahawks in the early 2000s, this is when I was introduced to the sport. When I started playing union in high school I was always fascinated by rugby league so I started following the NRL, adopting favourite players like: Cameron Smith, Latrell Mitchell and my idol Kaylan Ponga.

“I play halfback, so I think I would enjoy playing that or fullback. It has been my dream to play in the NRL since I became a fan in early high school. I think I can make it because I am a student of the game, eager to learn strategy from more experienced players/coaches.

“My brother (Kevin) is a great athlete and always love when we are playing on the same side.”

Kevin Deal

“I am no expert by any means but I have watched many NRL games that we recorded and even played a few. I’m sure there are rules and details that I don’t know, but I would say I have a firm grasp of how the game is played and what is expected of me on the pitch.

“In my first season playing rugby league I played centre. However when playing union I have played just about every position besides scrum half and fullback. I believe I could adapt my game to fit any position that the team would need me to fill. I think I can make it in rugby league because while it sounds cliche, this is truly an opportunity of a lifetime. I think it’s fair to say every little kid who picks up a ball for the first time or watches any professional sport has a dream of at some point competing at the highest level.”

Liz Tafuna has a Rugby 7s background.

Liz Tafuna

“My family and I are originally from New Zealand. While I’m still doing so much with rugby 7s there’s no way to ignore all the things the NRLW is doing to raise the game for female athletes and I think that’s also something that really drew my attraction to it. I’m preparing for the combine exactly how I know how to train for big matches for 7s I’m also focusing a bit more on the technical aspect of the game trying to understand where my skill sets would best fit on the pitch and in what position.

“I know I have the skill sets that can translate easily into the sport and yes I carry the basics of what I know from each sport on but I’m also open enough to unlearn/relearn anything that could help me excel.

Combine hopeful Marisa Hall.

Marisa Hall

“I have watched NRLW and it would mean the world to me to get to play the sport I love in a different country among some amazing athletes. I think it’s less known than union but it has potential to grow in the US for sure. It could become very popular here, Las Vegas is a great starting point.

“I always thought about doing something like it but finally had the courage, God willing to just jump head into the industry and I’m so glad I did, I enjoy it.

“I prayed a lot about it and ultimately knew it would be such a great experience and hopefully a bigger path leading to my future playing rugby league in Australia. I am excited to see what God has in store for me and hopefully it’s a one-way ticket to Australia.”

Peter Badel travelled to Las Vegas courtesy of the NRL

Originally published as Inside the NRL Las Vegas Combine: The American athletes vying to become rugby league stars