Las Vegas Raiders superstar Maxx Crosby is one NFL player who has vocalised his support for the NRL’s American invasion, even inviting Broncos flyer Reece Walsh onto his podcast.
Crosby, who is one of the most feared and dominant defensive players in the NFL, said on ‘The Rush’ podcast that Walsh reminds him of Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
“Wow these guys are impressive,” Crosby said on his podcast in reference to NRL players,
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“My manager CJ LaBoy has been sending me some clips and I feel like it’s a game I can get around.
“CJ has been talking to some of the Broncos players management and said they are NFL fans and that Reece Walsh and a couple of others listen to my podcast.
“He looks small but fast and skilful. I am told he is like the Patrick Mahomes of the league.
“He also reminds me of Tyreek Hill.”
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Hill is a speedy wide receiver with game-breaking speed for the Miami Dolphins who helped greatly change the fortunes of the Floridian franchise since his arrival last season.
Crosby meanwhile, has recorded 13.5 quarterback sacks for the season.That’s good for fifth in the league.
He also has the reputation around the NFL for possessing a high motor and never say die attitude.
Crosby’s comments are a huge endorsement for the NRL and he is so far the biggest name to throw his support behind not just next year’s double-header, but rugby league in general.
He’s willing to back up his words with actions too.
“If I am in town I am keen to come to the game and meet a few of the players,” Crosby said.
“No doubt I would love to go to Australia and take the family and watch some rugby.”
DOGS RECRUIT READY TO HEED LATRELL’S ADVICE
After spending his first three years in the NRL with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, sitting behind superstar Latrell Mitchell on the team’s fullback depth chart, new Bulldog Blake Taaffe is ready to let his light shine.
In an interview with the SMH, Taaffe knew if he wanted more opportunity in first grade, he had to take his talents elsewhere.
He wound up with the Bulldogs on a two-year deal, but faces stiff competition for his new club’s number one jersey from fellow recruits Stephen Crichton and Connor Tracey.
However, with Tracey to miss the first six-to-eight weeks of the season with an ankle injury and talks circulating of former Panther Crichton to remain in the centres, Taaffe has a strong chance to start the season at fullback.
Taaffe said while he is ready for greater opportunity at this new club, he couldn’t be more appreciative of the chance to learn behind one of the NRL’s best.
“Trell gives really good advice on how to handle yourself in big games and stuff like that,” Taaffe said.
“Just tells me to be myself, really, go out there and just be Blake Taaffe, don’t try and go out there and make a big play or anything like that.
“I can’t thank him enough. He’s been massive for my development, and he knows that. He’s a great bloke, and I still speak to him regularly now.
“I just want to thank him for getting me ready for this moment. I think I’ve done my apprenticeship underneath him, and I think I’m ready to go out there and show everyone else what I’m ready to do.”
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Due to Mitchell’s injuries and various suspensions over the past few seasons, the 24-year-old has had no shortage of experience in big games.
In his first NRL season (2021), he started at the back for Souths in their grand final loss to the Panthers.
Over his three seasons to date, Taaffe has played in 28 games for Souths.
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