2013 seasons predictions - Who will win?
It’s that time of year again when teams are reunited and players are quickly reminded of what it’s like to dig deep, beg for no more and hang in there so they can return the favor accordingly.
This pagemaster has asked each of the teams for their thoughts on what this season has in store for USARL players and fans alike. Questions were asked around various subjects including referees, winners, losers and USA golden boys that you’d sell your grandma for.
The answers tell me there are some surprises in store for us all.
Q) Which teams don’t get along?
A) Slayers & Fight. No past or present player will give you the same answer as to why but these two teams flat-out don’t like each other. Both the Slayers & Fight have been around longer than most but this is a rivalry that’s to be treasured.
Q) Who are the top USARL native american players?
A) Kevin Wiggins (Fight), Casey Clark (Fight), Brendan Beedle (Axemen), Akarika Dawn (Axemen), Jake Watson (Slayers). Wiggins remains in top spot but their are a few more worth keeping an eye on. Look for teammate Casey Clark (Fight) whose fresh off celebrating a championship from the country rugby league down under. Axemen benefit from both Brendan Beedle and Akarika Dawn who are teammates for the first time in 12 months! Slayers tout Jake Watson and Jaron McLaurin and newcomer Matt Kreider who may raise a few eyebrows each time he touches the ball.
Q) Team you’d most like to see win?
A) Rhode Island Rebellion. Despite the fact that they annoy everyone, what they’ve done with the youth league has inspired all USA clubs to invest in our youth and community.
Q) What’s your biggest complaint with the referees (NAMOA)?
A) Consistent interpretation of the rules across all referees. Surprisingly teams jumped to the defense of the refs and were quick to sing them a bunch of praise. If anything these guys need to feel like they’re a part of the game if we’re all working on getting better. Players need to speak up when the refs get it right and let them know a players perspective after the fact... beers always help!
Q) Who is the team to beat:
A) Jacksonville Axemen. The Axemen may have moved to a new field but thanks to the front page of the Yellow Pages, they now have the attention every resident that still finds big yellow useful. Shorto is back from Australia and he’s going for lucky sevens (7 years). That qualifies him for the USA team come October and so USA selectors should start getting out to a few matches... if only you weren’t based in Australia. Added to that each game Akarika Dawn is worth 6 points on the scoreboard while Brendan Beedle keeps 6 points from getting added. Some fresh new talent is coming through and some of the old dogs still have a few tricks. Book your ticket to the championship on August 24th in Philadelphia now!
Q) Which team likely to be playing them in the final:
A) Philadelphia Fight. With the Axemen already in and the Blues battered before the halfway mark, it leaves the fantastic four to choose from. The Slayers are new and hungry but they should also be worried about some of their older ones. The Rebellion impressed many at the 9’s but they will do it tough as the season goes on. Boston is the wildcard and it remains to be seen if the exiting of Oneida will bolster their playing ranks. For me, it’s Philly for sure as they have too much quality talent returning from last year with added starch up front from wiggins and the Clark brothers. 2011 Champions Matt Webster & half-back, Joel Weeks are back for more shenanigans and they already like the difference twelve months has had on some of the boys.
The average order as voted by the teams:
- Jacksonville Axemen
- Philadelphia Fight
- Boston 13s
- Rhode Island Rebellion
- DC Slayers
- Baltimore Blues
USARL Season 3 is upon us and certainly one that will not disappoint. The pagemaster has been quiet but it’s not like he hasn’t been busy. I could get into specifics but here’s the short version. The sooner the game in the USA resembles a structure as put forward by the international federation, the sooner we can all start moving forward. Just ask Oneida and New Haven while there’s still a little bit of life left in them.
What an off season, what about the one ahead. Let’s bring on the footy!