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After lifting a trophy on his second visit to the United States in a month, former Dally M Medal winner Todd Carney spoke passionately about the potential of rugby league Nines.
Carney’s Titan Industries, an all-star team assembled by a Rockhampton businessman, had to fight all the way against African American collective Roots Rugby to run out 30-10 in the final at Silver Bowl Park in suburban Vegas.
Carney has become an enthusiastic Nines player in his retirement, although he missed a recent tournament on the Gold Coast because he was on his honeymoon - in New York.
“I’d been home for two weeks and then came back over,” he 38-year-old said.
“The Nines Premier League... the first year there was 15 ex-NRL players, this year there was 70 with Alex Glenn having his own team, sponsors... it’s going to go to another level.
“It will be for retired players and young kids who don’t make it but it’s eyes on rugby league and that’s what we want, isn’t it?”
Carney said Roots were extremely impressive.
“Their ability to run the ball and tackle was unquestionable but it’s the skill,” he said.
“We’re born with a rugby league ball, they’re born with an NFL ball so it’s going to take some time.
“But if you can pick someone up and teach them rugby league from a younger age, who knows where it can get to for the game?”
For team boss Troy Sawdy, the satisfaction was immense, and he already has his sights on returning in 2026.
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2025 NRL Vegas Nines Day 2
"Everyone just promised me they are keen to go back-to-back, so we want to come back here next year with a men's, a women's and under 20s," he said.
