US ASSOCIATION OF RUGBY LEAGUE OFFICIAL

Junior Vaivai excited to play for USA this weekend

The USARL Hawks are currently preparing for their clash against Jamaica on July 23rd and they have added to the experience of their team since 2015, with Junior Vaivai set to represent the USA for the first time, in the Hawks first ever appearance in the inaugural Americas Championship.
Junior Vaivai excited to play for USA this weekend

From: Julian Clarkstone

Vaivai has played Rugby League professionally, playing 11 matches for both the Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs in the National Rugby League (NRL) in Australia, playing in the center position.

He qualifies for the Hawks through his Grandmother, who was from American Samoa, and Vaivai is thrilled to get the opportunity to represent her.

"It means a lot to me as I feel I have the opportunity to represent the USA on behalf of my beloved Grandmother, Malele Avauli Fuimaono Ta'ala."

"The way my mum has raised me and inspired me to never give up shows me that my grandmother was an amazing person and I know I'll do her proud once I put that jersey on come July 23," Vaivai said.

Vaivai’s experience is not only a valuable asset to the Hawks because of his individual talents, but his knowledge of the game is only going to help his teammates improve, which many of them can then take back to their respective USARL clubs and in turn help the sport grow.

‘’I think competing for 80 minutes, mastering the simple things and making the right plays at crucial times is where experience comes into play as well as learning to play to each other’s strengths.”

“I’ve been following the Philadelphia Fight for a bit now, hopefully I’ll get to play alongside some of the boys from the Philly Fight team in the near future.”

“Just seeing the game of Rugby League grow in the US excites me, Rugby League has the potential to expand massively,” Vaivai stated.

Whilst being excited by the growth of Rugby League in the US, he was also very impressed by the Jamaican Reggae Warriors and is expecting a physical battle on July 23.

“I watched footage from last year’s World Cup Qualifiers and they look to be a big team so think it’s going to be a match we will need to grind out for the whole 80 minutes,” Vaivai said.

Since his last game in the NRL, Vaivai has been dealt with numerous setbacks, including two knee reconstructions, but in the four years since he played in the NRL, he has matured as a person which has greatly benefited his game.

“I've been through highs and lows in my rugby league career, and the best thing about this is learning from my mistakes and having the opportunity to fix them.”

Vaivai’s biggest motivations to improve are his parents and his five year old son, Xaviar.

He hopes by continuing to work hard that he’ll send a positive message to Xaviar, which would definitely be reflected if he can make the USARL Hawks team for the 2017 World Cup.

“Every time I wake up to train in the morning my son is always watching cartoons and before I leave the house he’ll ask where I’m going.

“The answer has been the same since my last NRL game in 2012.”

“Dad’s going to train to be a better football player than he was yesterday,” Vaivai exclaimed.

Vaivai has had some great mentors since playing with the West Devils which have helped him tremendously, including Brett Kimmorley, who played over 300 matches in the NRL and also represented Australia and New South Wales.

“I’m more confident in my ability and I don’t feel restricted.”

“I’m grateful to the boys at West Devils for helping me improve as a player, I feel like I learn new things at training every time I show up.” Vaivai said.

It won’t be long now before Vaivai joins his new teammates in Conshohocken, Philadelphia, ahead of their clash against Jamaica.

The Inaugural Americas Cup is a significant sign of the growth of Rugby League across North America, something that Vaivai can’t wait to be a part of.

“Seeing the game of Rugby League in the US is what excited me as well as meeting the boys,” Vaivai stated.

USA Rugby League would like to wish Junior Vaivai all the best for this debut with the USARL Hawks on July 23.

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