Olympic medallists, rugby stars, college footballers: 50 NRL combine hopefuls revealed

These are the 50 athletes from across the world, representing a range of sports, who are descending on Las Vegas for a dream chance to earn an NRL contract. WATCH THE VIDEO

Olympic medallists, college stars and international representatives from a host of countries are among the 50 athletes who will compete for NRL contracts when they take part in the NRL’s combine in Las Vegas this weekend.

Twenty five men and women from the US, Canada, Hong Kong, Cambodia and even England will be put through their paces across two days with two men and two women earning the right to compete for professional NRL and NRLW contracts.

The competition is littered with players who have represented the US, Canada or Jamaica in rugby, while Olympic bronze medallists Alena Olsen, Kayla Canett and Hannah Makanisi will also take part.

It has prompted former NFL superstar Todd Gurley to describe the US as an untapped talent pool for NRL clubs.

“It’s not just about talent,” Gurley said. “I played with so many talented guys growing up but it’s about hard work.

“I hope those that come to the combine are familiar with the sport and have done their preparation.”

Former college wide receiver Kwadarrius Smith is keen on giving rugby league a crack after being on the cusp, multiple times, of earning an NFL contract, having spent time with Tennessee, Cleveland and Arizona.

You’re personally invited by our @XFL2023 Football Ops and I’ll be pulling for you. I’m flying in personally to watch our showcase in HAWAII.
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— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) June 4, 2022

He can run the 100 metres in 10.4 seconds and was described as a “Porsche among Cadillacs” given his speed at the college level.

Smith created headlines when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson invited him to try out for the XFL in 2023.

“It was great,” Smith, who wants to play on the wing, said.

“We don’t talk but I’m sure if we saw each other again we would applaud each other.

“I’m fast and love to hit. I have been told by (rugby star) Carlin Isles I should play rugby.”

Former St George player David Niu has led the search for potential talent. Players will be put through skill and field testing on day one and strength testing on day two.

Nicole Heavirland says she’s never lost a fitness test. Picture: Instagram

She has already captained the US rugby sevens side.

Tokyo Olympian Nicole Heavirland headlines a list of established US rugby players who will take part. Heavirland, who has captained the US sevens side, said she had “one of the best passes in the world”.

“I’m excited to show those skills,” Heavirland said. “I grew up playing a lot of American sports. Rugby is new in the states and there is no rugby league. I know a little bit.

“I’m a full-time resident at the Olympic training centre for sevens. I train every day. I’ve never lost a fitness test, I’ve never lost a bronco.

“We do contact twice if not three times a week and I’m in the gym at least three times a week. I’m ready for this combine.”

Dominic Roberto has been looking over YouTube clips to get himself prepared. The former college running back said he has little to lose by pursuing rugby league.

Former college running back Dominic Roberto. Picture: Instagram

“I believe I can make it in rugby league because a lot of the skills I’ve learned through American football can be translated and applied to rugby,” Roberto said. “By no means does this make it an easy transition for me and I’ll have to continue learning the game, but through the will of God and sheer determination, I believe I have what it takes to be successful.”

The winners will have a two-week opportunity to train with NRL or NRLW teams in an all-expenses-paid trip to Australia later this year.

Originally published as Olympic medallists, rugby stars, college footballers: 50 NRL combine hopefuls revealed