since this forum is dead

[Fatwing15]

just want to say... since the bulls arent supported by glen mills, they are in some trouble, i am also interested to see how the wildcats fair without their imports. Will the philly team be half way decent since they combined 2 teams? Will the sharks fall short once again? Will any team in new england besides the wildcats make in impact? Jax has been hyped, but are they still over rated? How about those fairfax fellows, run way models dont make rugby players. DC guys were big, but they forfeited in the play offs. Everyone has flaws... which team has the worst?

 

[roopy]

The forum is dead - but it will liven up once the season starts i'm sure.

Jax seem to be doing everything right - but I have always been a Sharks supporter (only in America) - so Sharks i reckon.

 

[slow frontrower]

Fatwing -

Not sure what you are reffering to about us not having imports. We'll easily have the strongest team we've ever had this year.

We've been very fortunate to convert some very talented rugby union players come out and enjoy rugby league. A good example of this is Will Brazier who is currently in the Pool of players for the US Eagle team to go to the World Cup and for the USA Tomahawks. Rich Portale and Danny Bull are both players that almost played for the US in Rugby Union and have gone to represent the Tomahawks on numerious occasions.

Our success is from converting rugby union players who have also played american football. We find that these guys pick up RL a lot quicker than say an ex college football player.

We also have a large amount of youth. Players that started with us 4 years ago when they were 18 and now have a tremendous amount of expierence. We usually have at least 10 kids at training under the age of 20.

That being said most of our forigen players are green card holders, and we usually bring in one or two new players that are just here for one season.

On paper our team looks fantastic, but that means nothing until our we actually start playing. We hope to win the whole thing this year, but then again so do most teams.

Since this forum is dead I would love it if some of the other teams could preview thier sqauds; DCSlayer - where are you? Spinner - how do the boys look? Any one from the Warriors? Sharks - did you pick up any new players? NY Knights - What does the sqaud look like? How will the Media Philly team look? What is shaping up for the fairfax eagles?

 

[tcc_dc]

I will give a small update about the slayers....(for clarification, anyone who has Tomahawk besides their name was one or is one)

First, it looks like Tomahawk Martin O'Donoghue will be back for the season, which should really help the team out. Rich Nolte will also be back from overseas.

We have lost two (that we know of) players to the Fairfax Eagles and that should not have any impact on us.

Tony Munnings who has played for the Slayers in the past, will be the coach this year. All the players are looking forward to this. He is knowledgeable and has a great attitude.

All the players should be returning, plus about 10 other players (most of them are coming from either PAC or Washington (superleague union clubs)). We have been recruiting quite a bit of youth, so we are happy.

Players (small list)
Maoa Laumoli - big center who scored quite a few tries for us last year is back and in better shape
Bill Weeks - with Martin back, should be able to move back to his natural position of Fullback
JC Rocha - (Tomahawk), is really fired up for the season
Dave Faimanifo - (Tomahawk) has committed to the season, which is a big addition for us
Jaron McLaurin - tough bruising runner and tackler who was in the tomahawk pool last year
Tai Vakatale - former Fijian under 21 national team for league will be playing this summer, a great addition at hooker

We will have no problems with the foreign player limitations.

We had a roster last year of about 35 players who played in at least 1 game, but not everyone met the three game rule to play in the playoffs. We had 8 players last year who were eligible for the playoffs last year who sustained year end injuries (broken leg, hands, 3 concussions, etc) and could not play. That left the Slayers with 13 players who could legally suit up for the playoffs. So the reason for the forfeit, for those that care.

Last year was a rebuilding year for us, and we feel good about the upcoming year.

We feel we will be a playoff team despite having a very tough schedule.

tcc

 

[slow frontrower]

Wildcat Preview

Forwards
Matt Pitman
Will Brazier - Tomahawk
Mike Schacter
Mike Lee
Tim Little
Ian Wolfson
Pablo Colon
Ben Kelly - Tomahawk
Nick Istanbranhausen
Curtis Cunz
Danny Bull - Tomahawk
John Ryan

Backs
Rich Portale - Tomahawk
Damien OMalveny
Tim Gee
Dan Power
Troy Hall
Dave Lloydd
Steve Anunzuiatto
Charles Schelly
John Robert
Lars Parkin
Brent Giffiths

We have a powerful and quick forward pack, which is going to be led by Matt Pitman, Will Brazier, and Ben Kelly. These three should prove to be some of the top forwards in the comp. In the backs Damien O'Malvaney, along with Tim Gee and Dan Power will march the club around the field. Mike Schacter and Nick Istenbranhousen are two you guns and are players two watch in the forward pack. We must also not forget about Danny Bull who can single handedly change a game on his own.

We look forward to 2007 being the best AMNRL yet, and hope to retain the title.

 

[pennpool]

2007 “The year of the Shark”

With the 2007 AMNRL season rapidly approaching could this truly be “the year of the shark”. My personal belief is yes. I also believe this can be the year that the Sharks, the only remaining original AMNRL team, the proverbial sleeping giants, the always bridesmaids never brides Sharks of old can wipe the slate clean and become the force that they always should have been.

Lets begin with the organization on a whole. This year the Sharks have paid more attention than normal to club structure. With the Sharks annual general meeting just two weeks ago they now sit on a sound structure to build a steady platform and go onward and upward.

The Sharks financial state: With the financial plans and fundraising that the Sharks have put in place we as a team stand to be financially stable for years to come. With a “beef and beer” set for Friday May 11th and in advanced stages of organization, should be one hell of a season kick off party and will hopefully be an annual event. The Sharks also have a sound personal sponsorship plan in place that should be beneficial to both team and sponsors together.

So we come to the team for 2007 and what a team this promises to be. Lets start with the regulars or should we call them the irregulars for reasons best un said. The seasoned vets, as they are affectionately known, look to have a major season. With Fred “The Ageless” Backhaus taking a player/coach role this year the boys have the most experienced USA International this country has produced. The likes of Justin Zadnik, Phil “Rogaine” Shipos, Sal “The Angriest Man in the AMNRL” Raniello, Jeff “The Human Sweater” Koch, Anthony “Which way to the bar” Fiorelli, Zach “All Natural” Padgett and Mike “Bad Load” Mckenzie all reaching there prime at the tender age of 28/29/ish are set to have there best years of rugby league there lives have produced and are all as hungry as ever. Backing these guys up are the bridge, the link between experience and raw youthful talent. In this group you find the guys 25/26/ish whom while every day learning they have the ability to dig deep for that tough win or turn the game on its head. Greg Mininger who returning from injury is raring to go backed up by brother Jim who says he could be in the best shape of his life come kick off. Then you have George Mette, Stephen Thompson, Red Fred and the unpredictable Chaos, all raring to go and brimming with talent. With a great group of young talent set to return to the team this year the Sharks feel safe for the future. Our youngsters were out standing last year especially when you consider that for most it was there first year playing rugby league. Ryan Sodano was solid at the back with pace to burn. Steve “Sideline” Tormey, who 12 months ago couldn’t spell rugby never mind play the game, looked well at home on the wing. Tim “my body is a temple” McCall, who had an unfortunate set back with injury, showed glimpses of the devastating runs that made him feared through u18s rugby. A defensive line never looked so solid at times with Dan McGovern, Mark Vella and Mike Boucher looking like they were born to tackle anything that moved. Finally John “Dump Truck Ass” Vella, with a side step that could send his own eyes crossed, was a real match winner at times in 06.

So what could the Sharks do to possibly improve on this I hear you ask. Well the answer is lots. With the return of Fred “Levittown (but not really)” Keonicki to bolster the forward pack and the acquisition of Brian “butthead” Boyle and Mike “beaver” Birch from the Philly fight the Sharks finally have the sizable pack that they have always been so close to producing. The fun doesn’t stop there though. With the news that Avea Suffia, ex Samoan rugby union international prop will be donning the shark in 07 and Mani Siosa returning after a year away, we could possibly have the most devastating pack in the comp. Then there’s Viasa Koroseta, arguably the fastest player in the comp, who has decided to return to give the backs a devastating burst of pace. In my opinion he makes sea biscuit look like a sea horse with no swim bladder. Then last but not least we have Chris James who has a long career as an amateur rugby union scrum half back home in Wales and is relishing the chance to show rugby league what the valleys are missing.
The Sharks are currently in talks with three quality imports to give us that touch with that international flair and probably a bad Aussie hair style to go with it.

So there you have it “the year of the shark”. If I were a betting man I would have a few bucks on this bunch in 07.


www.buckscountysharks.com

as far as international players go the sharks have
justin zadnik
sal raniello
fred keonicki?
phil shipos
fred backhaus
and steve thompson who was in the squad for japan but picked up an injury before the game.
youth players also made there international debut last year with the emerging team
steve tormey
john vella
ryan sodano
dan mcgovern
the sharks also have avea sofia who has played full international for samoa rugby union.

 

[slow frontrower]

Thanks PennPool Good Luck this season!

Since the Brawl at the shore of 2005 we have not played, maybe it will be in the GF this year!

 

[Play some footy]

Can someone explain to me why with 10 teams in the league that everyone is not playing each other once? I guess for some teams, travel might be too much, but sounds a bit more practical that NJ Sharks, NY Knights, CT, New Haven, Philly, Northern, and Aston atleast have a go.

It looks to me that even though the league has disbanded the 2 divisions, that geographically / and schedule wise - there are still 2 divisions.

 

[Brado Von Sexron]

It's impossible to evaluate the Axemen at this point, except to point out that there's a lot of potential in the Jacksonville ranks. Saturday's Sharks at Jax will be a hell of a game. I'm not going to write 1500 words describing "2007: The Year of the Axe," but historically these teams square off pretty evenly.
The Sharks look much better on paper this year, but Jacksonville will be the Rocky to New Jersey's Apollo Creed. They might not win, but it'll be fun to watch.
The Axe lost a number of talented players from their 2006 squad (Viva la Popes!), but many of those have been replaced by young guys who will be bruisers by mid-season. Spinner's been hard at work building a team of local athletes, rather than fielding a roster of tomohawks and import players. It's a ballsy investment, but it's a great step for the League (and don't be surprised to see 18 or 20 asskickers come of it). It's unlikely that The Axe will make it to the Final--faced with what is undoubtedly the hardest schedule in the tournament--but they'll be the dangerous "dark horse" of the summer.

 

[Brado Von Sexron]

Fatwing, you asked some good questions. Now that we're a couple weeks into the season they're being answered. It doesn't look like Aston is any worse off for being away from Glen Mills, except perhaps less funded. They're still a physical, dominant side, as you can see by their performance in Rounds 1 & 2. The "schism" is a bunch of hype. Same with the Wildcats... they'll be just as good.
Philly/Media's a joke- combined they have eight guys showing up at practice... It looks pretty grim there.
The Sharks sound good (see: "Pennpool") but they won't beat the Bulls or Cats- who yes, will probably be the only competitive squad from New England. After Aston and Connecticut, though, the Sharks will be the team to beat.
The Slayers have stepped up from last year. They have a bunch of fatties, but they run hard and play tough defense. And I bet they stick it out this year.
It's too bad about Fairfax...

 

[axefan]

I dont see the forum as dead...simply coming out of hibernation. I guess the internationl guys follow and contribute all year, and comment on RL worldwide.

You'll have to forgive this yank newcomer for following other sports and forums in the AMNRL offseason.

I plan on providing an enthusiastic newcomer's perspective as the Axemen home season gets underway. And to utilize this forum's expertise in my continuing RL education.

I am pleased that Spinner in committed to cultivating local talent. This bodes well for the future of the game in America. If the AMNRL is going to expand beyond its roots (of which i am mostly ignorant) it will have to be aware of the target audience.

I dont believe that Jacksonville fans would support a semi-pro team that consisted of mostly import players.
Supporting a fledgling sport and semi-pro athletes requires a strong connection between team and community. (affordabilty ..and BEER help also)
One of the attractive things about RL is the "love of the game" type attitude.
Hard work, determined play,endurance, and sacrifice... make a stronger impression on the prospective market when the local boys are testing their mettle against the rest of the league.
We take alot of pride in on our football and could not abide not seeing how the boys from the "dirty south" measured up in what some call "the toughest game in town"

As far as the Axemen being "hyped" or "over-rated"...
The praise that the axemen have recieved is all deserved.
Thats because the "hype" is not simply a reflection of the quality of play. The team is talented and tough, thats no question. But the "hype" is also a recognition of success off the field.

Spinner and the gang have introduced a completely alien sport to a new audience with great success. And made the entire league stronger for it.

 

[roopy]

I dont believe that Jacksonville fans would support a semi-pro team that consisted of mostly import players.

I understand that Americans like to see their own players doing the job, but i wonder if there isn't room for 'exotic' players to be real crowd pleasers.
A couple of giant Tongan forwards, a flashy Aboriginal winger, that Russian hooker currently making a name for himself in Sydney. Surely guys like that could gain a cult following.
From a purely technical point of view, I'm positive that 3 or 4 players who have played the game from the age of 6 and have reached the level of under 20s Toyota cup (the national 20s comp that will start next year) but are not quite good enough for the NRL, would add so much to the knowledge and understanding of the game of the American players who take up the game as adults.

I'm not trying to force the idea onto American teams if they don't want it, but i really think 3 or 4 quality imports would double the standard of your team just about instantly.

 

[axefan]

First, I must say that I can not speak with much authority about an imported game or a league that I have only followed for about a year.
Also, I could be mischaracterizing Jacksonville fans.(to align with my opinions) We are an odd bunch. And for all I know, until looking more closely over the roster, the "local talent" added could be Union players who never played high school ball.

With all that in mind, please note in the quote you referrred to that I qualified my opinion with "mostly import players." Of course,this is an imported sport. This team was started by an Aussie and is partially sustained by "import" Americans. (well arent we all technically imports?) I think it will always have some import players. But doesnt the talent pool need to be diversified for the good of the league in America?

My concerns are the concerns of fans everywhere. What will be the impact of "free agency" on the identity, viabilty and competiveness of my team. How will it affect the future of the franchise? (and in AMNRL's case, the league)
Will the Tongans, Russians, and the rest, simply use J-ville as a way station in their career, either battling to move up or playing out their declining years? Do they get a spot on the roster (side?) simply because of past performance somewhere else? Does this keep a younger more promising player off the field (pitch?)

All these questions and more are answered in vastly different ways by different teams.

Some try to buy championships no matter the cost. Even colleges and high schools are guilty of this.
Others committ to a personnel strategy that cultivates young players and fits them into a proven system, instead of building around expensive talent.
These are the teams that show consistent long term excellence.
Thats the kind of team I expect the Axemen to be.

more later... old vs. young imports, what american football looks like with six year olds...whatever else... gotta run.