NRL will use Las Vegas fixture to scout US athletes for potential code switch

The NRL has revealed a key reason behind playing next year’s historic Las Vegas double-header will be an attempt to attract American footballers to make a shock switch.

Rugby league is now targeting Uncle Sam.

The NRL has revealed a key reason behind playing next year’s historic Las Vegas double-header will be an attempt to attract American footballers to make a shock switch to Australian rugby league.

Rugby league is now pinching America’s famous war slogan and directing it back at US athletes: We Want You.

Manly, Souths, Sydney Roosters and Brisbane will play in much-hyped games in Nevada in late February.

“There is an opportunity for us to think about how potential Americans might actually have a pathway to play rugby league in Australia. It’s not just about acquiring fans,” said NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo

“This is an opportunity for us to showcase our sport to potential athletes from a pathway perspective back into the NRL. We are going to have our clubs over there.

“What an opportunity for those athletes that are thinking about a professional career having an alternative pathway. There are lots of avenues and opportunities here.

“This is a long-term strategy for how we might be able to take what we think is an unbelievably entertaining and engaging sport to a very large and passionate sports-made population in America.”

Manfred Moore playing for Newtown (bottom left), infamous one-gamer Greg Smith (top left), and one-time Jets hopeful Valentine Holmes.

AMERICAN TRAILBLAZERS

Several Americans have attempted professional rugby league over the years while a number of NRL players have pursued the NFL.

Manfred Moore was the better known NFL star to play first grade rugby league in Australia. A running back with the San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay and Oakland Raiders, Moore played four first grade games for Newtown in 1977, scoring a try on debut against Wests at Henson Park.

He is the only player to score an NFL touchdown and NRL try. He debuted for the Jets just 98 days after competing for Oakland in the 1977 Super Bowl.

Moore once famously threw a gridiron ball over the King George V Memorial Grandstand at Henson Park. Injuries cut short his rugby league career after playing four first grade games and he returned home to join the Minnesota Vikings.

There was an ill-fated attempt by an American to play NRL when Philadelphia roster wide receiver Greg Smith played one game for Newcastle in 1999. He played poorly and essentially vanished from rugby league.

Former Newcastle winger Greg Smith. NRL Imagery

Manfred Moore throws a over the roof of the King George V stand. Picture: Warwick Lawson

MAKING THE JUMP TO LEAGUE

Paul Sironen secured an American football scholarship at the University of Hawaii as a defensive tackle in the early 1980s before returning home to carve out an imposing NRL career with the Balmain Tigers, NSW and Australia.

Asked about US players transitioning to rugby league, Sironen said: “They are remarkable athletes in America - big, strong, fast and powerful. You’d need 18 months to two years of (rugby league) education. You’d probably be looking at blokes coming out of college, aged around 21, 22.

“In all the physical testing, they would stack up every day of the week, I have no doubt whatsoever. It would more be outside backs that could have a chance of making the conversion a lot quicker than a forward.

“Given the number of guys who come out of the college system over there, you’d think there might be a couple of blokes who might have a chance.

“But it’s those nuisances in rugby league that you learn by playing the game since you’re a kid, little things you need to grow up with, they could be the difference; catch, pass, the subtle skills you pick up over the years – moving in defence, not getting caught on the ground. I have no doubt they would excel at lower levels.”

US college player Alvin E Kirkland toured Australia and New Zealand with the 1953 American All Stars. He returned to Australia in 1956 and played 18 games for the Parramatta Eels, scoring four tries.

Former University of Hawaii footballers Paul Sironen and Colin Scotts. Picture: Mark Evans

AUSSIES IN THE NFL

NRL players Jarryd Hayne and Valentine Holmes have transferred to the NFL. Hayne played six games for the 49ers in 2015 with Holmes contested four pre-season matches for the New York Jets in 2019.

While he didn’t play first grade rugby league, South Sydney junior Jordan Mailata has become an NFL success with Philadelphia and was part of an Eagles side which played in this year’s Super Bowl.

Former champion Easts centre Mark Harris knocked back a spot on the 1973 Kangaroo tour to trial with the Philadelphia Eagles.After failing to secure a deal, Harris joined Canada’s Montreal Alouettes, playing seven games.

Originally published as NRL will use Las Vegas fixture to scout US athletes for potential code switch