Team eligibility

[billy2]

As Tonga said before the last WC, there is a safety issue in putting amatuer players up against highly trained professional athletes in a collision sport.

I'd like to see as many players from the local comp as possible make it to the WC, but it's clear they will have to spend several months training at a professional level, and I have a feeling that not too many will make that commitment.

If half a dozen American based players make the squad by putting in the work i'll be happy - any more will be a bonus.

 

[mother rucker]

The fact of the matter is, that as long as the AMNRL/ David Nui has control of the National team. The selection will be one that he likes in order to make him look good in the International eyes of RL. And what he has done for the sport in America. Which is BULL SHYT!!!
This does nothing for the growth of the sport in the USA. People are gonna hear about how America did but not know anyone on the roaster. In order for the USA to have better players they need AMERICAN players to play better comp.
Split the heritage player and domestic players on the team. Not including players like Hume and Shorten. (They play in the USA comp. They are American players)
Put heritage players in the pivot positions. Hooker, 5/8, Half, Lock. Then fill the rest of the squad with corn fed American beef. Fit speed like Kenny Britt, who’s 40m time is faster then fullbacks in the NRL. Top it off with simple set play and good coaching staff. Make it Americas team and publicize the hell out of it Nation wide. Let people know that these boys are from their home town. Providence RI, Philadelphia PA, Brooklyn NY. The Pope brothers are from a small town in Florida, and the Clark brothers are from a small town in Montana. That’s what Americans want on their team. Not a bunch of NRL players that didn’t make the Australian national team or the state of origin. If the USA goes to England and loses I would rather see Americans get smashed in USA kit, then 20 heritage players and 5 token Americans.

 

[deluded pom?]

As Tonga said before the last WC, there is a safety issue in putting amatuer players up against highly trained professional athletes in a collision sport.

And this was never an issue. Pros play amateurs here in the UK in the Challenge Cup but it's never resulted in any major injuries. It was just a way for Tonga to fill their squad full of New Zealand's professional cast offs.

 

[Rhode Island Rebellion]

The fact of the matter is, that as long as the AMNRL/ David Nui has control of the National team. The selection will be one that he likes in order to make him look good in the International eyes of RL. And what he has done for the sport in America. Which is BULL SHYT!!!
This does nothing for the growth of the sport in the USA. People are gonna hear about how America did but not know anyone on the roaster. In order for the USA to have better players they need AMERICAN players to play better comp.
Split the heritage player and domestic players on the team. Not including players like Hume and Shorten. (They play in the USA comp. They are American players)
Put heritage players in the pivot positions. Hooker, 5/8, Half, Lock. Then fill the rest of the squad with corn fed American beef. Fit speed like Kenny Britt, who’s 40m time is faster then fullbacks in the NRL. Top it off with simple set play and good coaching staff. Make it Americas team and publicize the hell out of it Nation wide. Let people know that these boys are from their home town. Providence RI, Philadelphia PA, Brooklyn NY. The Pope brothers are from a small town in Florida, and the Clark brothers are from a small town in Montana. That’s what Americans want on their team. Not a bunch of NRL players that didn’t make the Australian national team or the state of origin. If the USA goes to England and loses I would rather see Americans get smashed in USA kit, then 20 heritage players and 5 token Americans.

While were Nominating Players - I put forth the Big Red Machines - Brad Crandall and Steve Crandall - Brad is part of the Air Force Special Forces Unit and Steve is A Personal Trainer/Physical Therapist. Put them In the Second Row/Center. Also Derek Trehan at Wing. If the photos are on the Axemen Site you can see him tackling Arika Dawn as if it was a coaching lesson on tackling technique. As a Former wrestler along with the Crandalls he is fast quick good hands and led his union team - URI to be ranked 16th in the Country back in the Fall. (URI went 2-6 Last Season-- then Derek came out played league and took his skills back to the team)