Charlie McKill has signed with the Dallas Jackals in the Major League Rugby competition

Elite rugby union journeyman Charlie McKill has recommitted to the professional ranks after some Covid-19 inspiration and he reveals the best thing Sunshine Coast juniors can do to make it to the top.

Noosa Dolphins rugby union produc Charlie McKill has signed with the Dallas Jackals in the Major League Rugby competition

Sunshine Coast and Noosa rugby union superstar Charlie McKill is back on the professional rugby scene after committing to the Dallas Jackals for the 2022 Major League Rugby competition.

Mckill, who was born in Scotland but raised in Australia has played for numerous clubs such as Watsonians RC, Noosa Dolphins, St Andrews, Nudgee College, Warringah Rats and the Scottish national 7s team.

After a three-year period away from the elite level the 26-year old said he is looking forward to the challenge.

“The MLR season runs from February to June so I’ll be there then with a few options to stay on if I enjoy my footy and enjoy my time in Dallas,” he said.

The shortened Shute Shield competition meant the Warringah Rats vice-captain only played eight matches in 2021.

McKill said being stuck on the couch during the Covid-19 pandemic re-sparked his interest.

“I was working from home due to Covid-19 and had the Olympic Rugby Sevens on TV,” he said.

“Just by watching I started to think and believe that I still had what it took to be a professional rugby player.

“I gave my manager a call to explore some options and a few weeks later Dallas came back with a great offer.”

Charlie Mckill is hoping to rub shoulders with NFL superstar Dak Prescott and NBA talent Luka Doncic when he arrives in Dallas, Texas.

McKill said he was excited for this new venture.

“The owners of the Jackals own the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA and the Texas Rangers in the MLB,” he said.

“Both of those teams and even the Dallas Cowboys train out of the same facilities so to be able to see those star-studded players will be pretty cool.”

Charlie McKill is thankful for his time at the Noosa Dolphins in the Sunshine Coast Rugby Union competition.

The damaging flanker said he shared the same opinion of other Coast rugby union product Nick Chapman when it comes to taking that next step.

“I’ve loved my time at Warringah Rats and at Noosa Dolphins and I owe both clubs a lot but now it’s about what I want to do next with my career,” he said.

“I would definitely encourage anyone coming through the ranks to stick it out on the Coast for as long as possible and when they’re ready to play at a higher level to go from there but don’t rush.

“I hope to have a good year or two in America and then hopefully play in the Super Rugby so this is another step towards that end goal.”

Originally published as Charlie McKill has signed with the Dallas Jackals in the Major League Rugby competition