Slayers vs Fight – Semi Final Preview
The business end of season is here and four teams have made the cut for the ultimate showdown in USA Rugby League’s playoff weekend.
Down in the nations capital, the DC Slayers (7-1) are host to the Philadelphia Fight (6-2). Both teams have yet to win a championship and would love nothing more than to claim the silverware in the USARL’s inaugural year.
Back in round five the Slayers claimed first blood by defeating the city of brotherly love by a score of 24-13. With no love lost between both teams, we break down a handful of players that are likely to have an impact on the game and control the outcome of which team advances to the final.
DC Slayers
Seta Palamo - Wing/Center (USA)
Hails from American Samoa. Arguably the quickest first step in the USARL, great hands and tough in defense.
Aaron Cook - Five-Eighth (Australia)
The leading point scorer in USARL and possibly MVP of the season. A general on the field who finds gaps and makes teams pay for the simplest of mistakes.
Andrew Payne - Second Row (USA)
A tireless workhorse who gives a solid 80 minutes. Makes plays on both sides of the ball.
Jaron McLaurin - Prop (USA)
The Slayers strongest runner dragging several defenders for precious years. Produces big timely hits in defense.
Trevor Peterson - Second Row/Lock (USA)
Came over from Jax and has been a workhorse in the forwards. Good vision capitalizing on opportunities quickly.
Jamal Milani - Wing/Fullback (PNG)
A pint sized powderkeg with little regard to the oppositions difference in size. Great field presence and playmaker.
Philadelphia Fight
Michael Timpano - Wing (USA)
First year with Fight from JAX. Small & tenacious but big on producing points for the Fight. Loves to score tries, kick goals & mix it up when the going gets tough.
Patrick Quirk - Centre/Fullback (USA)
A confidence player with real athleticism and a fabulous swerve to accompany his long running style.
Rich Henson - Five Eighth (USA)
A Fight veteran while solid in defense, he schemes close to the ruck with a deceptive, sliding run that has resulted in many tries.
Joel Weeks - Halfback (Australian)
An 80 minute playmaker that keeps the defensive line guessing with either kicks or cutout passes when little is on.
Kevin Wiggins - Lock (USA)
Fit, fast and strong. This workhorse has completed more 80 minute performances than any other Fight forward. Strikes fear in the eyes of any player that sees him coming.
Matt Webster - Prop Forward (Australia)
Rallies his troops and leads by example with big defensive hits and charges into enemy territory when the going gets tough.
The game is set to be played at Duke Ellington Field, 38th St NW & R St NW, Washington, DC 20007 on Saturday August 13 at 12pm.