By Brian Lowe, Updated: 10/10/13
PHILADELPHIA, Penn. – (October 3, 2013) – The USA Tomahawks have named their 24-man squad for RLWC2013.
The squad contains a mix of players with previous international experience with the Tomahawks, plus others who have been plying their trade at the highest levels in both the NRL and European Super League.
Players who have previously worn the Red, White and Blue of the USA national team include Joseph Paulo, Ryan McGoldrick, Mark Offerdahl, Mark Cantoni, Danny Howard, Michael Garvey, Luke Hume, Matt Petersen and Craig Priestly.
Ten players on the roster were born in the United States and many of them cut their teeth playing in the USA’s domestic competitions.
The captain is Parramatta Eels forward Joseph Paulo, who has been the shining light for his club this year. Paulo, 25, is joined in the squad by older brother and fellow Eels player Junior.
Other notable names in the team include NRL veteran Clint Newton, son of Australian golfing great Jack. Clint was born in South Carolina while his father was competing in the 1981 US Open. This will be Clint’s first tour with the US national team.
Salford’s backline star Ryan McGoldrick will also continue his American career, while one of the NRL’s most promising rakes in Wests Tigers cub Joel Luani will represent the Tomahawks for the first time.
RLWC2013 will mark the USA’s debut at a Rugby League World Cup.
USA TOMAHAWKS 2013 RLWC SQUAD:
Mark Cantoni (Dalby), Andrew Durutalo (USA Eagles), Bureta Faramio (Mackay Cutters), Gabriel Farley (Southampton Dragons), Kristian Freed (Racing Club Lescure), Michael Garvey (Pennsylvania Bulls), Roman Hifo (Papakura Sea Eagles), Daniel Howard (Wentworthville Magpies), Stephen Howard (Tuggerong Bushrangers), Judah Lavulo (Cabramatta), Haveatama Luani (Wests Tigers), David Marando (Belrose Eagles), Ryan McGoldrick (Salford Red Devils), Clint Newton (Penrith Panthers), Mark Offerdahl (AS Carcassone XIII), Joseph Paulo (Parramatta Eels), Junior Paulo (Windsor Wolves), Matthew Petersen (Cudgen Hornets), Craig Priestly (Southampton Dragons), Tuisegasega Samoa (Redcliffe Dolphins), Matthew Shipway (South Newcastle), Les Soloai (Featherstone Rovers), Lelauloto Tagaloa (Hawaii Chiefs), Taylor Welch (Chicago Griffins)
Head coach: Terry Matterson
USA TOMAHAWKS RLWC2013 Schedule:
Warm-up Match:
France (Toulouse, October 18)
Tournament Pool Matches:
Cook Islands (Bristol, October 30)
Wales (Wrexham, November 3)
Scotland (Salford City, November 7)
