FORUMS FORUMS






RLFANS.COM
Celebrating
25 years service to
the Rugby League
Community!
  
FORUMS > The Virtual Terrace > A video Statement about the USA Situation
Posts:8
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin, Durham Giant , TimperleySaint
RankPostsTeam
Player Coach60No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jan 200916 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Aug 2017Aug 2015LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature

:



Due to the size of the file I am not able to attach it - and I have not had a chance to upload it - but it is posted as a public file on my Facebook account - you do not have to friend request to see it - just log into FB to view - https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v ... =2&theater

After taking 2 days to think about and consider the players named to the USA National Rugby League team for the world cup, I have recorded a video statement.

I took the last 2 days to talk to players from both the AMNRL and the USARL. Players who were both close to making the USA team and some who are just active in trying to develop the sport in the USA.

I also talked to a few friends and professional contacts from other international Rugby League teams and organizations, to make sure that I was able to construct a well written response, rather than a reaction.

After all of this, it is my belief that the SINGLE LARGEST OPPORTUNITY to grow Rugby League in the USA has been missed by simply not naming 6 known domestic players to the team, and instead filling the team with "HERITAGE PLAYERS".

Rugby League in the USA, although growing, is still a very minor sport. The USA Rugby League Community (Players, Sponsors and Fans) are not familiar for the most part with much of the game on an international stage. This is due partly to the large scale that American Sports are promoted. The ONLY Rugby League they are familiar with is that which is grown locally, and thus the domestic players and better known that any others, including the Superstars of the sport from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Etc.

Due to this, the lack of known AMNRL and USARL players will mean that 99% of the USA Rugby League Community will NOT identify with the National Team at all, and thus have little, if any interest in its performance in the Rugby League World Cup. It will not matter who well the team does, it will have little or no effect on the development on a domestic level.

YES, this is my personal opinion, but after being one of the many trying to develop Rugby League in the USA for the past 15 years, being a team owner for the last 8, and dedicating the largest part of those eight years exclusively to the sport, I am confident that this opinion is shared with a majority of the USA Rugby League Community.

Daryl "Spinner" Howland
Co-owner and Founder
THE JACKSONVILLE AXEMEN
www.jaxaxe.com
Due to the size of the file I am not able to attach it - and I have not had a chance to upload it - but it is posted as a public file on my Facebook account - you do not have to friend request to see it - just log into FB to view - https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v ... =2&theater

After taking 2 days to think about and consider the players named to the USA National Rugby League team for the world cup, I have recorded a video statement.

I took the last 2 days to talk to players from both the AMNRL and the USARL. Players who were both close to making the USA team and some who are just active in trying to develop the sport in the USA.

I also talked to a few friends and professional contacts from other international Rugby League teams and organizations, to make sure that I was able to construct a well written response, rather than a reaction.

After all of this, it is my belief that the SINGLE LARGEST OPPORTUNITY to grow Rugby League in the USA has been missed by simply not naming 6 known domestic players to the team, and instead filling the team with "HERITAGE PLAYERS".

Rugby League in the USA, although growing, is still a very minor sport. The USA Rugby League Community (Players, Sponsors and Fans) are not familiar for the most part with much of the game on an international stage. This is due partly to the large scale that American Sports are promoted. The ONLY Rugby League they are familiar with is that which is grown locally, and thus the domestic players and better known that any others, including the Superstars of the sport from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Etc.

Due to this, the lack of known AMNRL and USARL players will mean that 99% of the USA Rugby League Community will NOT identify with the National Team at all, and thus have little, if any interest in its performance in the Rugby League World Cup. It will not matter who well the team does, it will have little or no effect on the development on a domestic level.

YES, this is my personal opinion, but after being one of the many trying to develop Rugby League in the USA for the past 15 years, being a team owner for the last 8, and dedicating the largest part of those eight years exclusively to the sport, I am confident that this opinion is shared with a majority of the USA Rugby League Community.

Daryl "Spinner" Howland
Co-owner and Founder
THE JACKSONVILLE AXEMEN
www.jaxaxe.com


RankPostsTeam
International Star6668No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Sep 201014 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Sep 2023Jun 2023LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
52697_1334270708.jpg
:d7dc4b20b2c2dd7b76ac6eac29d5604e_52697.jpg



Very good video, I saw this going around on Facebook earlier. I completely agree with your sentiments that it's a big opportunity missed. We all know how fiercely Americans will support their own and how patriotic American people are. To name a team with barely any domestic players really is a shock, one name in particular I view as synonymous with USARL is Apple Pope. He's probably the most commonly recognised USA player and I was surprised to not see him named in the squad.

It's a real shame that more domestic players haven't been given the chance to experience the highest level of Rugby League and I hope your video carries some weight in hopefully gaining change. Best of luck.

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach15453
JoinedServiceReputation
Jul 200519 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2024Nov 2024LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature

[quote="Frank Zappa":1sacjrvf]Some scientists claim that hydrogen, because it is so plentiful, is the basic building block of the universe. I dispute that. I say there is more stupidity than hydrogen, and that is the basic building block of the universe.[/quote:1sacjrvf] [quote="The_Enforcer":1sacjrvf]Most idiotic post ever goes to Grimmy..... The way to restart should be an arm wrestle between a designated player from each side.[/quote:1sacjrvf]:



Whole heartedly agree. The eligibility rules make an absolute mockery of our international game. IMO a player should need to have lived in the country for which he is going to play for at least 5 years, be born in the country or have a parent born in the country, and speak the language fluently (I'm looking at you, Italy!). If that means some teams are uncompetitive, or that we have to have a professional world cup and an amateur world cup rather than just one competition then so be it. The USA team should be made up of proud americans, not aussies who couldn't make their own national side.

RankPostsTeam
International Chairman14845No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Dec 200123 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2021Jul 2021LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
143_1357419061.jpg
:d7dc4b20b2c2dd7b76ac6eac29d5604e_143.jpg



Good video and keep up the good work in the USA! I agree with you, 100%.

RankPostsTeam
International Chairman1470
JoinedServiceReputation
Dec 200123 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Jan 1970Jun 2022LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature

:



i love john wayne & lee van cleef.

RankPostsTeam
International Star177No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Sep 201014 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Nov 2017Oct 2017LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature

:



I've followed the ups and downs of USA RL over the past few years. I can certainly see what spinner is saying. It would be great for the domestic players to get a chance and this would give the competition in the states a great deal of credibility. However this is a world cup and although the American public love to cheer on their fellow countrymen , if the are to make waves in the competition they need to field the strongest available team.
The bigger issue for me would be the coach............ if the USA had an head coach from the domestic comp that would give them something to be proud of and someone for the Americans to really get behind.

There are many highly qualified coaches in the UK who are looking for work .......I am sure many of them would love the chance to come over to the US and assist in the development of coaches over there. That is the place to start in my opinion.

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach1995No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Sep 200519 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2023Nov 2022LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature

:



The best solution probably would have been to allow the 3 new sides - Cook Islands, USA and Italy to take in bigger squads so they could give some young stars of the future a World Cup experience. Maybe 4 to 6 extra players.
They might not get game time in the competition games, but being in a squad with pro players would be a great learning experience, and at least they would have a chance to force their way into the team if good enough.
I don't think letting a weak side be lambs to the slaughter would be in anyone's interest.

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach8991
JoinedServiceReputation
Sep 200915 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Sep 2024Jun 2024LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
47035_1386433761.gif
We can be bold enough to make a stand and do battle for our views and beliefs. But we must strive to be mature enough not to resort to unnecessary personal attacks upon people with opposing views.:d7dc4b20b2c2dd7b76ac6eac29d5604e_47035.gif



Whilst I understand the sentiment.

All sides do this now, in many different sports.

Over in the UK this debate has been had for years. In the end though when that team takes to the field, the fans will cheer them on.

If the USA were to make a quarter final that would be a big shot in the arm. There has to be a long term plan for international RL. Domestic competitions will wither without a strong international game.

RU has taught us that.

The major question is how do we support these leagues in other nations to the point where a strong side has more domestic players. We can't do it from SL or NRL funding, could it be done through money made on the international games??

Could the USA get an invite into the 4 nations next time it's down under???

It's tough to say whether it's better to put out a domestic team and risk hammerings or go with more heritage players and try to get as far as you can?? What I'm certain of is sports is results based so which ever coach was in charge they will pick whomever they can to get the best result.

Posts:8
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin, Durham Giant , TimperleySaint
Posts:8
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin, Durham Giant , TimperleySaint



All views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the RLFANS.COM or its subsites.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that news stories, articles and images are correct, we cannot be held responsible for errors. However, if you feel any material on this website is copyrighted or incorrect in any way please contact us using the link at the top of the page so we can remove it or negotiate copyright permission.

RLFANS.COM, the owners of this website, is not responsible for the content of its sub-sites or posts, please email the author of this sub-site or post if you feel you find an article offensive or of a choice nature that you disagree with.

Copyright 1999 - 2024 RLFANS.COM

You must be 18+ to gamble, for more information and for help with gambling issues see https://www.begambleaware.org/.



Please Support RLFANS.COM


4.451171875:5
RLFANS Recent Posts
FORUM
LAST
POST
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
16m
Game - Song Titles
Boss Hog
40731
16m
2025 Betfred Super League Fixtures
YosemiteSam
8
25m
New Kit
Saddened!
67
26m
DoR - New Coach - Investor & Adam - New signings
Rugby Raider
4010
26m
Film game
Boss Hog
5620
28m
BORED The Band Name Game
Boss Hog
63221
50m
Transfer Talk V5
Simmo71
499
Recent
Rumours thread
Scarlet Pimp
2515
Recent
Dan Norman Retires
Cokey
1
Recent
2025 fixtures
Smiffy27
15
FORUM
LAST
VIEW
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
1m
2025 Recruitment
Rafa9
192
1m
How many games will we win
REDWHITEANDB
2
1m
Catalan Away
Dannyboywt1
4
2m
Salford placed in special measures
FIL
94
2m
Pre Season - 2025
number 6
182
2m
Out of contract 2025
rubber ducki
62
2m
2025 Betfred Super League Fixtures
YosemiteSam
8
2m
WCC Off
Choc Ice
11
2m
2025 Kit
Wigan Bull
12
3m
Dual Reg
financialtim
6
FORUM
NEW
TOPICS
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
TODAY
Dan Norman Retires
Cokey
1
TODAY
How many games will we win
REDWHITEANDB
2
TODAY
Leigh Leopards - 2025 Fixtures
ColD
2
TODAY
Catalan Away
Dannyboywt1
4
TODAY
2025 Betfred Super League Fixtures
RLFANS News
1
TODAY
2025 fixtures
Smiffy27
15
TODAY
Fixtures
Willzay
13
TODAY
Salford
rubber ducki
8
TODAY
WCC Off
Choc Ice
11
TODAY
Leeds away first up
PopTart
39
TODAY
Jake McLoughlin
Wanderer
1
TODAY
Assistant Coach - Langley
The Biffs Ba
28
TODAY
Noah Booth out on loan
Wollo-Wollo-
19
TODAY
Luke Gale testimonial match
BarnsleyGull
2
TODAY
England 5 - 0 Ireland
Sadfish
1
TODAY
Magic Weekend 2025 - Back To Newcastle
RLFANS News
1
NEWS ITEMS
VIEWS
2025 Betfred Super League Fixt..
313
Magic Weekend 2025 - Back To N..
506
England Beat Samoa To Take Tes..
1257
England's Women Demolish The W..
1083
England Beat Samoa Comfortably..
1320
Operational Rules Tribunal –..
1111
IMG-RFL club gradings released..
1368
Wakefield Trinity Win Champion..
1912
Hunslet Secure Promotion After..
2132
Trinity Into Play Off Final Af..
2374
Wigan Warriors Crowned Champio..
1947
York Valkyrie Win Back to Back..
2183
Hunslet Book Relegation Play O..
2649
Penrith Panthers Secure Fourth..
2076
Wigan Humiliate Leigh For Gran..
2155
POSTSONLINEREGISTRATIONSRECORD
19.65M +11,961 ↓-6480,15514,103
LOGIN HERE
or REGISTER for more features!.

When you register you get access to the live match scores, live match chat and you can post in the discussions on the forums.
RLFANS Match Centre
 Thu 13th Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R1
20:00
Wigan
v
Leigh
 Fri 14th Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R1
20:00
Hull KR
v
Castleford
20:00
Catalans
v
Hull FC
 Sat 15th Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R1
15:00
Leeds
v
Wakefield
17:30
St.Helens
v
Salford
 Sun 16th Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R1
15:00
Huddersfield
v
Warrington
 Thu 20th Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R2
20:00
Wakefield
v
Hull KR
 Fri 21st Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R2
20:00
Warrington
v
Catalans
20:00
Hull FC
v
Wigan
 Sat 22nd Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R2
15:00
Salford
v
Leeds
20:00
Castleford
v
St.Helens
 Sun 23rd Feb 2025
     Mens Super League XXX-R2
14:30
Leigh
v
Huddersfield
ALL SCORES PROVIDED BY RLFANS.COM (SETTINGS)
Matches on TV
Thu 13th Feb
SL
20:00
Wigan-Leigh
Fri 14th Feb
SL
20:00
Hull KR-Castleford
SL
20:00
Catalans-Hull FC
Sat 15th Feb
SL
15:00
Leeds-Wakefield
SL
17:30
St.Helens-Salford
Sun 16th Feb
SL
15:00
Huddersfield-Warrington
Thu 20th Feb
SL
20:00
Wakefield-Hull KR
Fri 21st Feb
SL
20:00
Warrington-Catalans
SL
20:00
Hull FC-Wigan
Sat 22nd Feb
SL
15:00
Salford-Leeds
SL
20:00
Castleford-St.Helens
Sun 23rd Feb
SL
14:30
Leigh-Huddersfield
This is an inplay table and live positions can change.
Mens Betfred Super League XXVIII ROUND : 1
 PLDFADIFFPTS
Wigan 29 768 338 430 48
Hull KR 29 731 344 387 44
Warrington 29 769 351 418 42
Leigh 29 580 442 138 33
Salford 28 556 561 -5 32
St.Helens 28 618 411 207 30
 
Catalans 27 475 427 48 30
Leeds 27 530 488 42 28
Huddersfield 27 468 658 -190 20
Castleford 27 425 735 -310 15
Hull FC 27 328 894 -566 6
LondonB 27 317 916 -599 6
This is an inplay table and live positions can change.
Betfred Championship 2024 ROUND : 1
 PLDFADIFFPTS
Wakefield 27 1032 275 757 52
Toulouse 26 765 388 377 37
Bradford 28 723 420 303 36
York 29 695 501 194 32
Widnes 27 561 502 59 29
Featherstone 27 634 525 109 28
 
Sheffield 26 626 526 100 28
Doncaster 26 498 619 -121 25
Halifax 26 509 650 -141 22
Batley 26 422 591 -169 22
Swinton 28 484 676 -192 20
Barrow 25 442 720 -278 19
Whitehaven 25 437 826 -389 18
Dewsbury 27 348 879 -531 4
Hunslet 1 6 10 -4 0
RLFANS Recent Posts
FORUM
LAST
POST
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
16m
Game - Song Titles
Boss Hog
40731
16m
2025 Betfred Super League Fixtures
YosemiteSam
8
25m
New Kit
Saddened!
67
26m
DoR - New Coach - Investor & Adam - New signings
Rugby Raider
4010
26m
Film game
Boss Hog
5620
28m
BORED The Band Name Game
Boss Hog
63221
50m
Transfer Talk V5
Simmo71
499
Recent
Rumours thread
Scarlet Pimp
2515
Recent
Dan Norman Retires
Cokey
1
Recent
2025 fixtures
Smiffy27
15
FORUM
LAST
VIEW
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
1m
2025 Recruitment
Rafa9
192
1m
How many games will we win
REDWHITEANDB
2
1m
Catalan Away
Dannyboywt1
4
2m
Salford placed in special measures
FIL
94
2m
Pre Season - 2025
number 6
182
2m
Out of contract 2025
rubber ducki
62
2m
2025 Betfred Super League Fixtures
YosemiteSam
8
2m
WCC Off
Choc Ice
11
2m
2025 Kit
Wigan Bull
12
3m
Dual Reg
financialtim
6
FORUM
NEW
TOPICS
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
TODAY
Dan Norman Retires
Cokey
1
TODAY
How many games will we win
REDWHITEANDB
2
TODAY
Leigh Leopards - 2025 Fixtures
ColD
2
TODAY
Catalan Away
Dannyboywt1
4
TODAY
2025 Betfred Super League Fixtures
RLFANS News
1
TODAY
2025 fixtures
Smiffy27
15
TODAY
Fixtures
Willzay
13
TODAY
Salford
rubber ducki
8
TODAY
WCC Off
Choc Ice
11
TODAY
Leeds away first up
PopTart
39
TODAY
Jake McLoughlin
Wanderer
1
TODAY
Assistant Coach - Langley
The Biffs Ba
28
TODAY
Noah Booth out on loan
Wollo-Wollo-
19
TODAY
Luke Gale testimonial match
BarnsleyGull
2
TODAY
England 5 - 0 Ireland
Sadfish
1
TODAY
Magic Weekend 2025 - Back To Newcastle
RLFANS News
1
NEWS ITEMS
VIEWS
2025 Betfred Super League Fixt..
313
Magic Weekend 2025 - Back To N..
506
England Beat Samoa To Take Tes..
1257
England's Women Demolish The W..
1083
England Beat Samoa Comfortably..
1320
Operational Rules Tribunal –..
1111
IMG-RFL club gradings released..
1368
Wakefield Trinity Win Champion..
1912
Hunslet Secure Promotion After..
2132
Trinity Into Play Off Final Af..
2374
Wigan Warriors Crowned Champio..
1947
York Valkyrie Win Back to Back..
2183
Hunslet Book Relegation Play O..
2649
Penrith Panthers Secure Fourth..
2076
Wigan Humiliate Leigh For Gran..
2155


Visit the RLFANS.COM SHOP
for more merchandise!