Former Gold Coast player Patrick Murtagh has been selected for the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP).
The delisted Suns rookie was selected following an International Combine held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London which attracted 38 players from 13 countries.
Brisbane-born Murtagh, who spent time living in Papua New Guinea and Fiji before settling on the Gold Coast, was selected alongside fellow Aussie Talitiga Lachlan Amosa and New Zealand talent Etule Junior Vinny Lui.
“The International Player Pathway program is an important part of our continued focus on growing the game globally and creating a pathway for international athletes to play in the NFL,” said Charlotte Offord, GM NFL Australia, said in a press release.
“We are delighted to see these three talented athletes representing Australia and New Zealand on the International Player Pathway for 2023 and competing for a future spot on an NFL roster.”
The NFL’s IPP has seen 26 players find their way onto NFL rosters since it was established in 2017, including Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata (Australia), Washington defensive end Efe Obada (UK) and Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (Germany).
Murtagh, who played 18 VFL games in 2022, is listed as a tight end. He is a former Queensland state champion decathlete who spent four years with the Suns.
The trio will start a 10-week training stint in the US on January 10 as they strive to catch the eye of NFL talent scouts.