Rhinos taking charge in the South

By Julian Clarkstone

Fast forward to 2015 and after three rounds of competition they sit at the top of the USARL South division and have won every game. Last weekend the team defeated the Central Florida Warriors 34-28 in a battle that encountered a rain delay. The Warriors had won their first two rounds but were halted by the Rhinos who ran in 6 tries, scored by Terrance Williams (2), Kwame Little, Brad Foster, Matt Wade and Zack Blalock, whilst Joe Cowley continued his great kicking form, converting five goals from six attempts.

There can be no denying, the team is very proud of their efforts so far this season, but they are under no illusions as to how far they still have to go. Team Captain Nick Newlan said, “I don’t think there is any feeling of comfort amongst the guys. The other three teams in this division are just as capable of being where we are.” Whilst the Rhinos are yet to lose, on the other side of the ladder are the Tampa Mayhem, who are yet to win. It has been an unlucky start for the Mayhem, who have lost each game by just four points, “one bounce of the ball a different way and they could be up 3-0,” said Newlan—highlighting how close the division is.

A key difference in the success of the Rhinos in the early stages of this year compared to last year can be attributed to the experience the team has gained together. CEO of the Rhinos, Bob Taylor said, “the first year we spent getting organized and learning everything we could about Rugby League.” Much of the squad learned about Rugby League when they began playing last year, many of the players had only played union previously so they had to adapt quickly. The team has worked extremely hard at learning new skills and have been assisted by former USA Tomahawk, Salesi Tongamoa who is now the head coach. “We are very fortunate to have Salesi step into the head coaching position… he has adapted extremely well to the position of head coach,” Taylor said.

This Saturday The Rhinos will take on the Jacksonville Axemen at Hodges Stadium. The teams already clashed earlier this season in which the Rhinos won 42-26. The Rhinos are certain that this will be even tougher than last time. Club Captain, David Knicely, believes that being first team to beat the Axeman at their home ground since 2008 is motivating the team. “Quite honestly the team is very excited about this next game. Beating them at their home ground would be a great accomplishment for the guys.”

The Rhinos will need all their players working together in order to beat the 2012 champions. The team has plenty of talent with players up front including Nick Newlan, Matt Wade, Terrance Williams and Sean Hunt whilst also possessing some serious speed with Kwame Little, Joe Cusumano and Matthew Fontana. Whilst many players in the team are playing exceptional Rugby League, Team Captain Newlan has been very impressed with Joe Cusumano playing at hooker, “playing a position he has never played before this year, he has been outstanding and the more comfortable he becomes there, the more dangerous he will be.”

An off-field part of the club that has been a great step forward is their partnership with English Super League team, the Leeds Rhinos. Late last year, Terrance Williams had the opportunity to train with Leeds as a reward for an outstanding season. The partnership has been a great branding opportunity for both teams either side of the Atlantic. “We have a very large Facebook following with the Leeds fans. We’ve had Leeds fans show up for our matches!” CEO Bob Taylor said. The Rhinos are experiencing great success both on and off the field, which they will be hoping to continue this week against the Axemen and throughout the remainder of the USARL competition.