[ad_1]
The NRL’s foray into Vegas is in full swing, with the historic double header featuring the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Manly Sea Eagles, Brisbane Broncos and Sydney Roosters just days away
With the US the centre of the rugby league universe at the moment, foxsports.com.au have compiled a list of who we think are the most likely NRL stars that could make an NFL roster.
Valentine Holmes and Jarryd Hayne have tried before to mixed success, but both can boast that they were at least able to sign a contract with a franchise and feature in an NFL game.
We’re On for the Footy Season! Download the TAB App Today. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
A disclaimer: With the the number of differences between the two sports, this list isn’t suggesting these players would definitely make a successful transition. Just those who have the skillset and athleticism that could interest NFL teams.
Read on for our list of NRL players most likely to make it in the NFL.
REECE WALSH
The Broncos star is apart of a select group of people who can say they’ve caught a pass from NFL royalty in Tom Brady. We have no doubt that Walsh has undoubtedly possesses the talent to crack an NFL roster with slot receiver or kick off returner the most likely position his skillset would best lend itself to. As a fullback, Walsh is already well versed in fielding kicks and returning them, and as the name of the position in American football suggests, he’d be doing the same thing. Only in the NFL, he’d have ten teammates blocking for him. With Walsh’s speed, agility and vision, we’d back him in for at least a couple of return touchdowns. Walsh has said an NFL career is something he could consider down the track. “I’m not too sure. I’m so early in my career. Those boys (Jarryd Hayne and Val Holmes) did a lot in their careers and then made the change,” he said. “I have so much more I want to do in the game but maybe in a few years I would … we’ll see what happens.”
PAYNE HAAS
There are plenty of massive men in the NFL, and Walsh’s Broncos teammate certainly fits that bill. While he may not be the size of former rugby league player-turned offensive lineman Jordan Mailata, Haas could line up on the offensive side of the ball as a tight end. It’s a position that requires versatility, in that they are needed to catch and run with the ball as well as block opposition defenders. We know how hard Haas is to bring down with ball in hand, but with his big frame, we think he’d go well as a run or pass blocker given he receives a bit of training – much like Mailata needed before he became a household name in the NFL. A couple of Brisbane teammates endorsed Haas to foxsports.com.au when asked which player could make it in the NFL. “I don’t want him to go over there but I think he could crack it,” Billy Walters said. “He’s got all the physical attributes – he’s fast, strong and big.” Winger Corey Oates added, “That’s easy – Payne. He could play anywhere, he’s a freak.”
GREG MARZHEW
The Newcastle Knights winger was well and truly put on the radar for this piece after a few of his teammates spoke up his chances of potentially crossing over. Three teammates, Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best and Jayden Brailey, all said Marzhew when foxsports.com.au asked which NRL player would make the best NFL player. “Greg Marzhew as a running back. He’s strong and powerful. I actually don’t know why he hasn’t tried to go over there,” Ponga said. Bradman Best, who plays centre inside Marzhew on the Knights’ left edge, said “I’d throw him in as a running back. He’s too big, too strong.” Marzhew plays like a brute because he’s built like one, and is arguably one of the hardest outside backs in the league to stop close to the goal line. At just 177cm, but weighing in at 104-105kg, Marzhew has the frame of a running back with one of his strengths being able to get low to fight for extra metreage – a key attribute needed for NFL running backs.
LIAM MARTIN
The Panthers star is considered one of the hardest hitters in the league with a big motor. He’d definitely be fitter than most NFL players considering he is an 80-minute player in the NRL. However, considering the reckless abandon he has for his own body and his opponents, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Martin as a linebacker. Staying fresh on the sideline when the offence is on the field, Martin could be very impactful on the defensive side of the ball in the NFL when his number is called.
JAYDEN CAMPBELL
Like Walsh, the Campbell’s blazing speed and top shelf agility could be an asset for NFL teams in need of a kick or punt returner. He’s a shifty livewire that is gone just as you think you’ve got him where you want him. Greg Marzhew, who had many players calling his name when asked who could make the transition, said Campbell for his answer. “Jayden Campbell as a wide receiver. He’d be hectic,” Marzhew said. Campbell would have to add some weight to his frame if he was to play in the NFL, but athletically speaking, he has gifts NFL scouts covet.
MATT TIMOKO
The Raiders centre has been one of the Green Machine’s best over the past two seasons – if not their best. At 183cm and just under 100kg, Timoko has the frame and skills to at least earn a try out with an NFL team. What will definitely make him attractive is his fearless love for contact. Timoko is one of the hardest-running centres in the NRL and like Marzhew, is such a handful to bring down anywhere on the field, but especially close to the line. Not only is he so strong, but he’s fleet footed and agile, as exemplified by the below try over the weekend when he embarrassed Valentine Holmes, a past NFL convert.
JASON SAAB
Tall, rangy and fast with terrific hands. On those attributes alone, the Manly flyer wouldn’t look out of place as a wide receiver on an NFL roster. Standing at 199cm, he’d be one of the tallest wide receivers of all time, but only a couple of centimetres taller than the likes of recent greats in Calvin Johnson and Mike Evans. Saab’s ability under the high ball and his finishing prowess on the wing indicates he’ll have the catching chops required. One of his teammates certainly thinks he has what it takes. “I think Jason Saab. The speed, the height and he can catch the ball well. I think he’d be a really good wide receiver,” Reuben Garrick told foxsports.com.au.
MATT BURTON
We’d be remiss to have a list without including Burton, as he’d be the player with the most realistic chance to make a successful career in American Football if he went over as a punter or kicker. NFL teams have fallen in love with the Aussie punters, due to the skills that are honed by those who grew up either rugby league, rugby union and Aussie rules. In fact, at least a quarter of the NFL’s 32 teams started an Aussie-born punter at some stage during the 2023 season. Almost all of those athletes started in Australian Rules football, but none had the profile that Burton has. The Bulldogs playmaker boasts the fiercest kicking game in the NRL, with his torpedo bombs near impossible to catch due to the airtime and purchase he gets on the ball. Burton’s agent David Riolo has revealed that the NFL has approached Burton, but the Bulldogs star is happy to stay in the NRL… for now. “Maybe down the track,” Burton told the Lets Trot podcast. “You never know. It’d be a mad job to go over there, kick the footy and get paid a motza. I’m a bit young now and it’s a big move. I don’t know.”
Honourable Mentions
Haumole Olakau’atu, David Fifita, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
[ad_2]
Source link