Cross-code star returns to Vegas with 'electrifying dream'

The NRL will return to Las Vegas next week for a blockbuster season opener at Allegiant Stadium as the sport looks to build a global fan base and unearth new superstars.

The organisation has partnered with National Collegiate Rugby for next week's Las Vegas Nines tournament, with some of the nation's top emerging male and female rugby union players to try their hand at rugby league. 

The tournament will provide players with a chance to impress club officials by performing in live matches against high-quality opponents.

D'Acre knows the feeling well, having finished on top of last year's combine and earning a contract with the Knights.

After spending some time in Canada to continue his university studies late last year, the 21-year-old returned to Newcastle and has spent the past few months training alongside Kalyn Ponga in the Knights' top-squad.

Newcastle have taken their time with D'Acre's development and he's excited to showcase how far he's come. 

"I knew it was going to be quite a big step up," D'Acre said. "Not only going from union to league but also going from amateur rugby to professional rugby league. The guys you're playing with are the best in the world at playing the game, the top of the class. 

"It's been a huge learning curve for me but I couldn't have asked for a better team to come to. The guys have been so welcoming, all the players have guided me into becoming a better rugby league payer, it has been great.

"I now have a full season in this environment to get better every day. That's the goal for me, physically getting bigger and stronger and developing my rugby league knowledge being around the guys more."

Born in Hong Kong, D'Acre grew up playing rugby union and went on to represent Canada and Hong Kong in the rugby code. 

Rugby league isn't totally foreign to the 21-year-old, whose father is Australian and played for the USA in a match against Russia.

There has still been a steep learning curve for D'Acre but he has impressed his coaches with his dedication to learning the finer points of the game.

While unable to put an exact timeline on when he might earn an NRL debut, Knights coach Justin Holbrook is looking forward to seeing how far D'Acre can progress throughout the upcoming season. 

"From a rugby league point of view he's a long way behind others who have been playing the sport their whole lives," Holbrook said. "I don't want to put a cap on where he can get to but he's got a lot to learn. 

"It's up to him now to show how quickly he can learn the game and implement that in the lower grades. If he can do that, that will determine when he gets an opportunity with us in the NRL."

It's not too late to get your tickets for the NRL's season opener at Allegiant Stadium. Click here to get tickets before they sell out.