HE'S an American college football star. He's a 112-kilogram lump of muscle. He has a shoulder charge that can dent metal. And he reckons he has what it takes to rock the NRL.
Akarika Dawn, a linebacker for the University of Colorado, is flying to Australia next month to try his hand at rugby league.
Dawn warms up in the gym with a 160kg bench press and his power clean, a weight lift up to his chin, is a staggering 145kg. And despite his huge frame, he can sprint 40 yards (37 metres) in 4.7 seconds.
Dawn's agent suggested he come to Australia for a new challenge, and he is hopeful of eventually testing himself against players such as Willie Mason and Carl Webb.
"I got a call from a guy about a month ago about trying rugby [league]," Dawn said.
"I've never tried it before, but I'm not doing much right now, so I thought I'd give it a shot.
"I've seen it on TV a few times and it didn't look too difficult. But since I've been training I've realised it's far more technical than I thought it would be.
"The game is a lot more fast-moving than American football. There's no breaks.
"I watched the State of Origin through the internet, some highlights of games. It looks fun. I think I'll have a good time playing.
"I'm just an American football player trying something different."
He has attracted interest from Penrith coach Matthew Elliott, who is willing to meet him to discuss giving him a run in the lower grades.
There have been talks about Dawn trialling with Manly's feeder club Belrose Eagles, and the Queensland Cup is another option.
Until late last night, the 23-year-old hadn't played a game of rugby league. But he's getting a crash course in the code via a three-week stint with American National Rugby League side Jacksonville Axemen under the tutelage of Brisbane product Daryl Howland, who has also played in England and France.
Dawn will arrive in Australia on July 22, with a view to joining a Jim Beam Cup side. But his ultimate goal is the NRL. "If I played a season or two to figure it out, I'm pretty sure I'd get a shot," he said. "That's pretty much my goal. I'll probably take it."
Howland has been impressed with what he's seen so far and said Dawn's thundering shoulder charges reminded him of Sonny Bill Williams in defence.
"I was very sceptical when I heard he'd had no experience, but I'm shocked, I'm really impressed," he said. "I didn't think an American football player would take to this game at all.
"I can't wait to see him tackle someone. Being a linebacker, it's all about defence and he's got no fear.
"If he puts a shoulder on someone, they're going to get hurt."
Bulldogs prop Mason, who trialled with the New York Jets last year, said the biggest challenge in the transition would be league's lack of structure.
"They are very powerful blokes, but over there the game is very structured, whereas here it is more ad lib," he said. "It will be interesting to see how he goes."
Dawn's agent, Nick Attewell, said he would also bring University of Nevada linebacker Selevasio Fauolo to trial with league clubs. Others are expected to follow.
Gold Coast Titans coach John Cartwright, who led US national team the Tomahawks to within a whisker of upsetting the Kangaroos in 2004, said the transition would be tough, but didn't rule out the possibility of an American footballer making it in the NRL.
"They've got a good training ethic and they're very disciplined," he said. "It's just experience [holding them back]."
Source: The Sun-Herald
