Local rugby league player Zac Frazer was offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join Brisbane Veterans Rugby League Club in competing in the NRL Las Vegas 9s during the final week of February.
Brisbane Veterans was formed in 2019 to support ex-servicemen and their families as they transition from life in the defence force, creating a sense of camaraderie through sport.
Zac was honoured to play for the club after receiving a call from Brisbane Veterans Coach Neil Richards.
“When he told me, I thought it was a prank – I couldn’t believe it. It’s such an unreal opportunity that doesn’t come around every day,” he said.
“I told him that I’d think about it, but I called him back 30 minutes later telling him that I’m 100 per cent in.”
As the first international team to contest this comp, the open men’s team returned home with outstanding results after reaching the semi-finals.
“It was pretty good; the games were super fast,” Zac said.
“That was my first time playing men’s footy and it was pretty confronting. I’m tall, so I’m used to being one of the biggest on the field, but I was like average-sized.”
One of the fields they played on at Silverbowl Park was livestreaming on YouTube and the NRL app with more than 600 people watching in support.
“I usually play just for the fun of it, so having the opportunity to play in front of the livestream was pretty crazy,” he said.
“Because we were representing the Australian Army, the boys that are currently serving were saying that all their troops were watching and stuff. The fanbase that they’ve got is really good and they were all really engaged with the trip.”
The team was also seen on The Today Show during their time in Vegas.
“It was pretty random – I didn’t realise I’d get so much airtime.”
“I was in the background, and I didn’t really know what to do to be honest. I just stood there looking clueless,” Zac joked.
Zac felt the trip was a great way for the team to bond and he appreciates everything he’s learnt during his time away.
“I’ve definitely made friends for life.”
