Phil Gould on the Hunt for ‘Exceptional Athletes’ at NRL’s American Combine, Reports The Mole

Canterbury Bulldogs’ general manager Phil Gould has jet-setted to Las Vegas this week, focused on securing the signatures of two American athletes to join the club.

Gould will be observing the NRL Combine taking place in Sin City, where 25 male and 25 female elite athletes will undergo evaluations.

The Bulldogs aim to recruit one player for the NRL and one for NRLW to bolster their squad ahead of the 2026 season.

A multitude of college football stars from across the United States have expressed their interest in participating in the combine, where they will be assessed through a variety of tests to determine their suitability for rugby league.

The evaluations will cover a range of skills including running, passing, tackling, as well as assessing flexibility and resilience.

Every year, many promising American college football players retire in their early twenties, with less than five per cent advancing to the NFL.

“There’s no doubt that there are numerous exceptional athletes over there, and I want to take a look at them to see if any can transition into league,” Gould shared with Wide World of Sports.

The combine is one of several events leading up to an exciting double-header that will launch the season in Vegas next Saturday.

Back in the 1970s, former NFL standout Manfred Moore made headlines when he signed with the Newtown Jets, becoming the first American to play in Sydney.

He scored on his very first touch of the football but made his way back home after just half a season.

‘EXTRAORDINARY’ PROGRESS FOR TEEN

A few weeks ago, I reported that the Roosters had signed the formidable Seve brothers, Itula and Fanafou, from the Bulldogs.

In a remarkable turn of events, 17-year-old Itula has made such a positive impression at his new club that an upgrade and extension are on the cards in the coming days.

This powerful prop, who captained the Bulldogs’ Harold Matthews Cup squad last season, is being prepared as a potential NRL player by the Roosters for 2026 or 2027.

JAMMER’S IMPACT ON YOUNG PLAYERS

Former Dragons and Bulldogs prop James Graham had a chat with the players at Albion Park last week, delivering a strong message.

“He told them that those who cut corners in training and weren’t fit were cowards for letting down their teammates,” said coach Josh White to Wide World of Sports.

“His words resonated deeply with the boys. Following his address, we tackled the Wanda sand hills, and I’ve never witnessed them work so hard.”

UNHAPPY STAR CONSIDERS RETURN

Which player switched clubs in 2024 but now feels they’ve made a significant error in judgement?

The player in question is among the most high-profile signings from last season, and they are less than pleased with their new environment, yearning to return to their former club for 2026.

The previous club would welcome him back instantly… IF they can create room in their salary cap.

Only time will tell.