Knights looking to rebuild in 2015
The New York Knights’ round one clash kicks off at 2pm this Saturday at Randalls Island against the Boston 13s.
Article by Julian Clarkstone
2015 is a big year for the New York Knights in particular. Having missed the 2014 season, the Knights are excited for a fresh start in their first season in the USARL competition. Club captain CJ Cortalano stated that the year out of the competition gave the club time to look at “what type of team we have and what type of identity we will have this season.”
The new season has brought in fresh faces to the Knights, with veterans of the club moving on after 2013. There are high expectations of all players in the team and there is talent spread from wing to wing with the likes of Abe Cohen, Calder Orr, Justin Yu, Darragh O’Flaherty and former Atlanta Rhino’s player Mark Rusinski. Some of the team has not gained match experience together, but the pre-season has been met with plenty of hard work, so there are strong expectations of them.
The long pre-season and year away from competing has given the Knights a great opportunity to establish their plans for the year ahead. In preparation for the season opener against Boston, Cortalano believes the team is ready to get onto the field and compete. “We know Robin Peers will have his club ready and that our Coach, Guillaume Cieutat, will do the same. We expect a hard fought match,” Cortalano said.
Despite not being on the field in 2014, the New York Knights had some clear highlights which are positive steps moving forward for the club. The team gained some experience in the world of fashion, featuring in Self Magazine with Hilary Rhoda. Not only this, J.Crew teamed up with the Knights to show off their new suits, which was then featured in T Magazine. These campaigns gave not only gave the Knights great publicity, but also highlighted Rugby League in the US.
The Knights will face off against the Thirteens, Kings, Wildcats and Rebellion in the North-East division. Cortalano added, “The Knights expect from both our division and the USARL as a whole a much improved domestic competition in 2015.”
The Knights face-off for the first time against the Boston 13s this weekend at home in NYC (The Castle Pier 40) this Saturday May 30 @2pm.