“I have my own YouTube channel, and I’ve begun a series where I try out different sports,” Habibi-Likio mentioned.
“Last week, I gave golf a try, and this week, it’s rugby league, which seems to have panned out well. I received an invitation to the Combine, so I’m curious to see how I’ll fare.
“I’m simply enjoying myself here, and it has potentially evolved into something more significant. Being half Tongan, the love for the sport runs in my veins, but I haven’t really explored it before because I’ve been involved in American football since I was eight years old.
“I understand that the higher you climb, like in football, the competition becomes tougher, and I would relish the opportunity to compete against elite athletes. I’ve already competed at a high level in football, so why not give rugby a shot?”
Bryson Goodwin, a former Kiwis representative who had stints with the Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, and Sharks, attended the NRL Vegas 9s as part of his role at Pacific Sports Management (PSM) and shared his positive impressions of the showcased talent.
“I was taken aback by the number of teams present, as well as the level of enthusiasm and skill exhibited,” Goodwin expressed.
“There are notably talented players who might just need to enhance their understanding of the game, and if they manage to do so, their potential is significant.
“We recently conversed with an individual who has prior experience in the NFL and managed to score some remarkable tries. He is set to participate in the Combine on Saturday, and the possibilities are wide open for what could transpire.”
“There is a wealth of talent present here, and the rugby league market remains largely unexplored in this region. If it continues to progress, even incrementally, considering the population size here, it will undoubtedly benefit the game,” said Goodwin of the potential growth of rugby league in the area.
Among the attendees were ex-Sharks captain Paul Gallen, former NSW Origin teammate Ryan Hoffman, former Great Britain leader Phil Clarke, and his father Colin Clarke, who also represented the Lions.
Chris McQueen, a member of the Rabbitohs’ 2014 premiership-winning team, stood out as the prominent figure participating in the nines tournament, representing the Brooklyn Kings.
“Bulldogs board member Andrew Gifford commended the NRL for its choice to kick off the 2024 season in Las Vegas and for its efforts in promoting and growing the sport in North America.
“I’d like to commend the NRL for introducing rugby league to Las Vegas,” remarked Gifford. “We witnessed a nines tournament with teams from Vancouver to Brooklyn, New York, and various regions across the USA and Canada, which is a substantial undertaking.
“The potential for talent here is immense, and the sport is on the brink of flourishing in North America, so kudos to the NRL for taking the lead in this venture.”
