USA Hawks Announce 19 Man Roster Vs Canada

The USA Hawks men's team has released the roster for the upcoming match against Canada on Mar 1, 2024. The international match is part of a huge weekend of rugby league in Las Vegas, together with the NRL Las Vegas 9's and the NRL opening weekend double header on March 2. The US Association of Rugby League reached out to Canada to arrange the game as an oppurtunity to showcase the sport at the national level in North America. The Canada Wolverines, who defeated the USA Hawks 22-10 at their last match up in November of 2022, agreed that it's a good oppurtunity to get ranking points as well as show the talent of rugby league in North America. 

The USA Hawks are on an upswing after their win against Jamaica on Dec. 2, 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica. Coach Sean Rutgerson was happy with the team's performance and has chosen 14 of the same players for the match against Canada. Returning to the roster are Kyle Granby and Tevita Bryce (Brooklyn Kings), Ethan Ferrick (DC Cavalry), Peter Lupton (Boston 13s), Wes Piggens (Southwest Florida Copperheads), Joe Eichner, Gunnar Johnson,  and Matt Finnessy (Tampa Mayhem) and Ryan Bannerot, Malcom Webb, David Washington, James Williams, Mason McCrory and Jason Martin (Jacksonville Axemen). 

Ryan Burroughs (DC Cavalry) is also added back on to the roster and has had several caps previously for the USA. 

Making their USA Debut, are Matt Duckworth (Brooklyn Kings) and Andre Whaley (Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans). Two additional players from Pacific Coast Rugby League will round out the 18th and 19th roster spots, Fatai Makavaha (Provo Broncos) and Stephon Harris (Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans). 

Coach Sean Rutgerson is eager to get the team back together for this rivalry. “We are excited to play Canada again and excited for the opportunity to play in Las Vegas," says Rutgerson. "It should be a great game and great experience for the players. We are looking forward to a strong performance and to keep the momentum going after the win in Jamaica.” 

Kick off is 7pm on March 1, 2024 at Clark High School, 4291 Pennwood Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102. The game will be preceded by 3 international Master's matches between the USA, Canada and Australia. Further details on the Master's event to come. 

USA Hawks 19 Man Roster

Tevita Bryce, Matt Duckworth, Kyle Granby (Brooklyn Kings) Peter Lupton(Boston 13s) Ryan Burroughs
Ethan Ferrick (DC Cavalry) Ryan Bannerot, Jason Martin, Mason McCrory, David Washington, Malcom
Webb, James Williams(Jacksonville Axemen) Fatai Makavaha (Provo Broncos) Stephon Harris, Andre
Whaley (Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans) Wes Piggins (Southwest Florida Copperheads) Joe Eichner, Matt
Finnesy, Gunnar Johnson, (Tampa Mayhem)

Head Coach: Sean Rutgerson, Assistant Coach: David Ulch

Managing Staff: Billy Neilson, Glenn Spigelmyer, Miranda Barnard

Athletic Trainer: Mary Slover