Emma Pritchard

Less than four minutes after kick-off, former Grafton Ghosts and Lower Clarence Magpies player Daine Laurie was called into the game between the Penrith Panthers and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks as Round 1 of the 2025 NRL season got underway at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on March 1.

After winger Casey Mclean left the field for a HIA inside the opening minutes of the highly anticipated clash, Laurie was given his chance to shine in his second season back with the four-time premiership winning team after three years with the Wests Tigers and relished the opportunity to showcase his undeniable talent on an international field.

A proud Yaegl and Bundjalung man, Laurie initially joined the Penrith Panthers eight years ago after progressing through their SG Ball, Jersey Flegg, and NSW Cup teams, prior to making his NRL debut in 2020, and returned to his former club in 2024.

While his natural attacking flare and ball handling abilities were highlighted during the first 40 minutes of the game, two tries in the second half had fans cheering loudly in the USA and Australia.

Benefiting from a clever double pump pass by hooker Mitch Kenny, Laurie scored his first try in the corner in the 49th minute, and backed up his efforts with another try in the 76th minute after receiving a well-timed pass from centre Luke Garner.

Describing the opportunity to play overseas as unreal, Laurie spoke highly of his first NRL game in Las Vegas and proudly demonstrated his love for his family and country when he pointed to 2466, the postcode for Iluka, written in bold font on the strapping on his left wrist as the cameras zoomed in for a close up.