2017 Rugby League World Cup

Manc Yank said:
Yes. He left Joseph Paulo off the team. I like Coach Brian McDermott's focus on US players for sure.

"Having a large group of actual American players is a massive thing for USA rugby league," said McDermott.

"It shows how much the game is developing and that will only help attract sponsors, fans and more people who will want to play.

"The American people want to see Americans playing. We expect to show that we are more than competitive against the world's best rugby league countries."
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It's a good thing he thinks that way and the US showed the bones of a team that could play.
But, like Ireland and Italy they need to recruit a few experienced professionals.
He is a good coach and I hope he has a lot more to do with that team.
 
Has anyone watched much of Fiji so far??
I haven't been able to catch more than a couple of Aus vs games so far, but wandering how Uate is going in the centres and if old 'Hex' Brayden Williame is going any good in the back row?
 
R3 said:
Has anyone watched much of Fiji so far??
I haven't been able to catch more than a couple of Aus vs games so far, but wandering how Uate is going in the centres and if old 'Hex' Brayden Williame is going any good in the back row?
Click to expand...
I've seen quite a bit of Fiji and Uate's been doing very well in the centres. Could possibly play there for us if needed without too many problems.
Also Api has been great, including kicking goals, and I think even got a MOM.
I haven't noticed Williame a lot but he scored a good try last week and was doing ok.
 
Fiji haven't done too bad, but they will have trouble with better defences such as Australia's. And Aku in the centres has done alright, but I think he's far from being an NRL centre for any more than a fill in here or there. The good thing is we now have that option with him, but I would honestly leave him on the wing. The reason I say that is because TBH the quality of opposition Fiji has faced so far would struggle to compete in the NSW or Qld Cups, let alone the NRL.

If he does well in the centres against one of the top teams like the Kangaroos, Poms, Tongan's or Kiwis, then I'll admit he could do well there. But otherwise, I'm not getting carried away with the thought that he could be a full time NRL centre.

As for Api.....he's really been one of Fiji's best so far and did get the MoM award last week against Italy. His goal kicking has been good, unless its touchline kicks of which he's missed just about every one from out there. You know, at the start of the year I honestly believed we had released the wrong hooker in Matty Parcell. But Api's improvement this year has been out of sight compared to where he was in 2016 and right now I think that arguably he is the best hooker / dummy half in the NRL behind only Smith (hate to admit that, but Scam is the best #9).

One thing I have figured out about Fiji though is to attack on your left, their right. Vunivalu may be a superstar as a try scorer.....but he can't defend to save his life. We thought guys like Wiliame and even Jorge made woeful decisions in defence on the wing? Vunivalu makes them look like Jake Trbojevic.

Speaking of Wiliame.....he's playing in the back row for Fiji, and he's not doing too badly.
 
R3 said:
Has anyone watched much of Fiji so far??
I haven't been able to catch more than a couple of Aus vs games so far, but wandering how Uate is going in the centres and if old 'Hex' Brayden Williame is going any good in the back row?
Click to expand...
Fiji have been going great.

Uate and Api are the standouts.

I've been saying all year that he should be centre and that is where Fiji are playing him. Baz should shift him to left centre next year after his standout performances :nod:

Hex is playing well at second row. He has really stepped up in the ESL as well :clap:
 
Ron E. Gibbs said:
Api has been great. Seems nice and relaxed, too. Ran into him at the Frenchs Forest Farmers Market last weekend and one of my kids got a selfie with him. Api's his favourite player, so he was chuffed. Very friendly and approachable guy.
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They have farmers in French's Forest?>:)
 
Only a couple of hours to go now. Anyone else going? My two boys and I will be there with our Manly gear on. Come over and say hello. 🙂
 
I'll be watching at the Clubhouse Sports Bar & Grill in Bangkok ... I'll try to spot you and your boys in the crowd .... what do you look like ?
 
images.jpg



*picture may or may not be an accurate reflection*
 
@:cool: he is one of my neighbours along with the gentleman Patrick Rafter
 
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