Article on Rugby League Planet re today's match:
Hurricanes' clash with DC Slayers
part of Dane Campbell's master plan
Tony Munro - 5/5/2012
While some of the talk around Saturday's clash between the Hurricanes and the USARL's DC Slayers in Kingston, Jamaica has centred on a RLIF member hosting a team from a so-called breakaway league, Dane Campbell, sees it as just another step in his plan for Rugby League on the island.
"The Hurricanes were started to provide opportunities for young guys from the to play Rugby League at the elite level," says the founding father of the game on Jamaica.
Accordingly, the Hurricanes squad, representing the best talent from the Jamaican domestic competition will be vastly different from the Jamaican squad which played in the World Cup qualifiers.
"Fifteen of the team last year were from the UK. Everyone representing the Hurricanes on Saturday will be from the local competition," enthuses the former Redcliffe halfback.
"Only captain and half, Roy Calvert, centre Ryan Grant, Roman Campbell, second rower Tyronie Rowe and front rower, Sandino Hastings have played for Jamaica before," said Campbell.
While the DC Slayers are sure to fit in some R&R in their visit to the famed holiday destination, and the actual match will serve as the second of three games in the 2011 semi-finalists pre-season preparations, coach Danny Hanson cites another, predictable, purpose for the trip.
"We know that Jamaica is looking to enter a US competition in 2013 and we would love to have them in the USARL. Our main goal is to be the ambassadors of American Rugby League and show them the benefits and level of play they can expect when coming on board with the USARL," said Hanson.
The Slayers go into the match hardened from their first hit-out last week against the British Royal Marines, losing 46-16, perhaps due to rust as Hanson explains. "We only held three training sessions before the Royal Marines match after being off since last season," says Hanson. "Our defensive line struggled a bit as the match wore on, but our attack was solid. So we'll be focusing on defense in preparation for Jamaica and the New Zealand Police on 13 May."
Despite the margin, Hanson was pleased with the early season form of several players last week, who will be on show in Jamaica. "Standouts for the game were wing John Young, prop Jack Dunn, and hooker Phil Hill, all of whom will be making the trip to Jamaica."
Look out for "Rugby League Planet's" coverage of USARL and AMNRL competitions during the 2012 season.
Likely DC Slayers squad:
Matt McBay (fullback), John Young (winger), Andrew Payne (centre), Jaron McLaurin (centre), Young Woo (wing/centre), Justin Barlogio (five-eighth), Dave Parmiter (utility back), Trevor Peterson (lock) (capt.), Anthony Guess, Dain Bentley (forwards), Jack Dunn (prop), Phil Hill (hooker), JC Rocha (forward), Paul Glodzik (forward), Randy Stephens (forward), Richard Nolte (forward), Danny Hanson (player/coach).