HENDERSON, Nev. -- Laki Tasi's journey from rugby fields in Australia to the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders is nothing short of remarkable. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 373 pounds, Tasi is an imposing figure on the gridiron, but his path to professional football was far from conventional.

A Rugby Player's NFL Dream

Tasi, a native of Goodna, Australia, spent most of his life playing rugby. As a member of the Ashgrove GPS Rugby Club in Queensland, he was a standout player, but his size and potential caught the attention of Ben Niumata, owner of Grubbies Burgers and Hawaiian BBQ, during a casual conversation about the NFL.

"He was like 'You should try the NFL,'" Tasi recalled. "He saw my potential... I didn't see that in myself on that day."

Entering the NFL Pathway

Niumata, nicknamed "Sweet," connected Tasi with Zen Ginnen, founder of Ginnen Sports Management Group, who encouraged him to try out for the NFL Academy in Gold Coast, Queensland. This led to his selection for the NFL's International Pathway Program, a gateway for international athletes to enter the league.

A New Challenge in Las Vegas

Tasi joined the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in April 2025, despite having no prior experience in American football. His transition from rugby to football has been a steep learning curve, but his progress has impressed head coach Pete Carroll.

"It's a real treasure just to watch him develop," Carroll said.

From Defense to Offense

Initially training as a defensive lineman, Tasi was moved to the offensive line during rookie minicamp, requiring him to learn a new playbook and adapt to a completely different role. Despite the challenges, Tasi has embraced the opportunity, relying on veteran players like Kolton Miller and Jordan Meredith for guidance.

Making an Impression

Tasi's development has been noticeable during training camp and preseason games. In a recent matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, he showcased his strength and size by pancaking a defensive lineman, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike.

"He would go in the wrong direction... Just to see him go out there and dominate the way he did was awesome," Meredith said.

Looking Ahead

While making the Raiders' active roster remains a challenge, Tasi is determined to continue learning and improving. His journey is inspired by fellow Australian Jordan Mailata, who successfully transitioned from rugby to become a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles.

"Hopefully one day I can do that," Tasi said.

Tasi's story is a testament to the power of determination and the opportunities provided by the NFL's International Pathway Program. Whether he makes the final roster or not, his journey from rugby to the Raiders is already a remarkable achievement.