LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
There is excitement surrounding the potential for the growth of rugby league in the United States, with the NRL holding successful opening games in Las Vegas.
However, Phil Gould, a prominent figure in the sport as the boss of the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, has expressed skepticism about American athletes transitioning to the NRL.
Gould was in attendance at the NRL combine in Las Vegas, which allowed athletes to showcase their skills to NRL scouts.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the event, Gould was not entirely impressed with the talent on display.
Gould observed the physical testing at the combine, noting that while the athletes were putting in effort, the testing standards in the NRL are much higher.
He stated, "There was a lot of physical testing; I went and sat and watched it...
the testing for the game is a hell of a lot different, so you probably wouldn't be signing them on testing results." Gould's comments suggest that he believes American athletes may struggle to meet the demands of the NRL due to differences in testing standards and the nature of the game.
The success of the NRL's venture in Las Vegas indicates potential for growth in the American market, but Gould's reservations highlight the challenges that may arise in recruiting American athletes to the NRL.
While the enthusiasm for expanding the game internationally is evident, there are concerns about the ability of American athletes to adapt to the rigorous demands of rugby league.
Gould's insights shed light on the complexities of introducing the sport to a new audience and the obstacles that may need to be overcome in order to successfully integrate American athletes into the NRL.