Phil Gould has expressed scepticism regarding the NRL’s initiative to recruit American athletes, deeming the transition “too difficult.” The seasoned rugby league executive, currently with the Bulldogs, attended the NRL Combine during the league’s promotional weekend in Las Vegas.
The event featured numerous athletes undergoing various tests, with Adam Channel and Marcus D’Acre—both with rugby union backgrounds—emerging as winners. Gould, however, pointed out that attracting NFL rejects to rugby league may not be beneficial. He observed the Combine, noting the stark differences in physical testing relevant to rugby league and suggested evaluating players based solely on these metrics might not be effective.
Reflecting on a past experience with college athletes who narrowly missed the NFL draft, Gould remarked that, despite their athleticism, they struggled to grasp the complexities of rugby league. He contended that if such athletes were introduced to the sport at a younger age, they might have a better chance of succeeding. He acknowledged the challenges in making the transition, stating that while some athletes might handle lower-level rugby league, the demands of the NRL are substantial.
His comments suggest that Canterbury’s interest in signing new talent from the Combine is unlikely. Gould did take the opportunity to commend Jarryd Hayne for making a successful stretch in the NFL, highlighting the uniqueness of his achievement. He believes there are more opportunities for Australian athletes to pursue their careers within their own sport.
Moreover, recent success stories like Jordan Mailata, who previously played junior rugby league before becoming the first Australian to win a Super Bowl with the Eagles, illustrate the potential pathway for athletes transitioning from rugby league to American football. Mailata has solidified his position as a top-performing offensive lineman and earns a salary exceeding the combined caps of several NRL teams, adding weight to the discussion about the viability of career trajectories for athletic talent in both sports.