www.canadarugbyleague.com/site/e ... p?id=10123

www.canadarugbyleague.com/site/e ... p?id=10123

There will be a few changes to the Canada starting 17 due to injury and other availability issues but its certainly a good opportunity for other members of the squad to stake their claim to a jersey.

It would be ironic if the Wolverines could defeat all three of the teams that will be vieing for a place at the WC later this year.

Well I think that is a definite possibility but the next match should provide the sternest test, especially as its away. It's a shame Canada cannot be included and make it a four team comp but thems the rules!

Yes doesnt make sense Canada being left out of qualification although I would expect the US to be too strong. Seems that the RLEF & World Cup qualification needs reorganising to reflect the success of the RLEF in increasing the number & diversity of nations playing RL. Unfortunately by its very nature the RLEF is European biased. Would suggest that the RLEF needs to change structurally to represent all the Continents except Austrialasia as the RLIF for all intent & purposes does not exist. Does seem odd that in the World cup qualification we could loose both our only Asian (Lebanon) & African (South African) teams, when they both should be straight in the Finals.

I would expect a USA team drawn from ALL eligible players to be too strong for Canada but don't forget there are plenty of good American qualified players that are on the outside because they play in the USARL.

Canada should be in the qualifiers. Look at the great strides they have taken to get where they are, and credit to ALL involved. I understand South Africa being involved, but What have they done in the last year, apart from appoint Gary Schofield as Manager?
As for Canada players what about Jamie Rooney(Barrow), Jason Demetriou(keighley) and Louis Robinson (Harlequins) I know that is 3 players but it is a start, and of course the Players in Canada who have represented the Country with great pride.
Canada should be there, and it is a shame they are not, so the best thing is to win there remaining 3 games, and prove Canada are no flash in the pan.

I'm seriously considering a trip down to Philly for the game. Added bonus that the Phillies are in town that weekend playing the Marlins. Just gotta find some reasonable flights and hope that my new employers will let me take the Friday off.

Just out of interest do you get any players from Quebec?

Not currently as far as I know - I think there has been interest from that area but no teams yet. BC is the next expansion region..Quebec would be cool!

exactly Mr Pom. Online, the USA team seem to have designated Canada to be the underdogs for this game which I think is probably a little bit patronising and it will help the coach's team talk I'm sure. With the enforced team changes its hard to predict but I don't think there will be much in it...

Darren

I know there has been some dialogue with Jason about playing for Canada - which would be great, at least in the short term, given his age. Excellent experience of course. I hadn't heard that Rooney had a Canadian connection - what is it?

I know when I was working in Connecticut & trying to start an RL team in Bridgeport /Milford area in the late 90s a Kiwi was trying to get RL going on Vancouver Island, don’t know if that’s still the case. Must admit in the late 90s Winnipeg had some sort of 9s competition. I think a lot of the previous start up's in Canada have failed in part due to the shear vastness of the Country. Hopefully RL now continues to go from strength to strength in North America.

Yes I think a lot of the interest in BC is coming from Vancouver Island - wouldn't surprise me if it is the same guy.

They have a facebook page if you want to search for it..

You are right - the hugeness of the country is a challenge. Even in Ontario, we have guys from Niagara driving 90 minutes plus to get to Toronto for training..its a big ask...

I spoke to Jamie Rooney myself at a Keighley cougars -v- Barrow raiders match in 2010, and he told me one of his grandparents is Canadian. I was a bit suprised when he told me, I gave himm the website, and Jamie Lesters email address, but wether he got in touch I am not sure.