Phil Gould, the Canterbury Bulldogs’ head, has journeyed to Las Vegas to scout talent at the NRL Combine, intending to recruit one male and one female athlete for the club in 2026. The event features 25 elite male and female athletes from across the USA, showcasing their skills in tests that include running, passing, tackling, and more.
Gould expressed his belief in the abundance of talented athletes in America, noting that many college football players retire young, with only a small fraction making it to the NFL. He aims to see if any participants could transition to rugby league.
This combine is part of a series of events leading up to the season opener in Vegas next week, continuing the trend set by American imports in Australian rugby league, such as Manfred Moore, who became the first American to play in Sydney in the 1970s.
In addition, the Bulldogs recently signed brothers Itula and Fanafou Seve, with 17-year-old Itula impressing early enough to warrant an upgrade shortly. Meanwhile, retired player James Graham’s motivational address at Albion Park inspired local players to improve their training commitment.
A disgruntled player who switched clubs in 2024 is reportedly longing to return to his former team, should salary cap space allow.