Nasso heads to London
Italian international Ray Nasso will be playing for London Broncos in 2015.
The 27-year-old Australian-born hooker has been playing for Sporting Olympique Avignon in France, and has previously also played for Villefranche-de-Rouergue.
The dummy half also has NRL experience with Manly and Parramatta. He lit up the World Cup with his displays for the Azzurri last year, for whom he qualifies through his Italian parents.
He has inked a two-year deal with the Broncos, and cannot wait to get stuck into British rugby league.
“I’m very happy and looking forward to be playing next season for the Broncos,” said Nasso.
“I spoke with Joey about his goals and plans next season and the future and it’s all very exciting.
“Having been coached by Joey when I was younger and speaking to him about what he wants to do with the club I thought it would be a good fit for me. I’m looking forward to being part of the club as it looks to move forward.
“It was an awesome experience playing in the UK during RLWC2013 and it’s something I will never forget. I really enjoyed playing in the UK so I was keen to come back here.”
London head coach Joey Grima has worked with the player before, and feels he will fit right in at London.
“I’ve coached Ray for five years in the Parramatta district as an up and coming first grader,” said Grima.
“Having had a relationship with him he knows the style of play that I like to play. He’ll be very important and an integral part of the formation I want to run next year.
“Ray’s had a tremendous career, particularly at the back end of last year and the RLWC2013 where he was involved in the Italian side.
“He was voted the Italian Player of the Tournament and players such as Anthony Minichiello felt that he was capable of playing in the NRL.
“That didn’t come to fruition however and he decided to stay in France and this was an outstanding chance for us to sign him.
“He comes with a lot of experience both offensively and defensively, he’s going to be a huge asset and more so to the culture we’re going to get off the field as much as on the field.”
