Slayers confident looking ahead

By Steve Williams: After 3 tough tough losses in the past 4 matches, I reached out to Slayers coach Danny Hanson and asked how the club is handling the disappointment of another tough start to the season.

SW: Over halfway going into the season and your team has lost 3 very close games. How has this affected the team and what's the overall feeling at training?
DH: The three losses were a bitter pill to swallow and having lost all three by a combined 12 points gets under your skin. You would think it has had a demoralizing effect on the team, but the boys are really motivated. We're getting at least 20 guys out at each session and they are continuing to work hard as they know we are still in the hunt.

SW: Which players have impressed you the most?
DH: This season we've had six RL rookies and they have all brought a lot to the team. I'd have to say that captain Jaron McLaurin has taken it to another level. He's lost over 20 pounds in the off season and has moved from prop to inside center and has been reaking havoc in each match. A special combination of import half Jake Watson and Wing Dave Parmiter has also impressed. They clicked from the first training session and it culminated in a beautiful try this past weekend against Jax where Jake put up a high kick in the try zone and Dave came down with it for the score. Rookie Matt Krieder has picked up the game and has had several massive hits and line breaks. Its only a matter of time before he puts in his first try.

SW: You've lost some key games after leading with double digital figures. What's the conversation at training?
DH: Focus on the task at hand. If you look at the games we lost, we were in control for at least three quarters. In every match we have one bad quarter where we let our opponent back in the game. The boys have recognized that and we're working on completing the match, staying in control, and putting the win on the board.

SW: What's different about this slayers team verses last year?
DH: Team health. Last season, we lost 5 players to injury and literally limped into the playoffs at Jax. We represented well, but just didn't have anything left in the wheelhouse. This season, we have spent much of our time on fitness and team bonding. The boys are working well as a unit and I think the last half of the season is going to show what we're made of. To finish off the season, we're bringing in Jamaica Hurricane Tyrone Rowe and Former Wakefield Wildcat, Martyn Nicoll to help with our push to the playoffs. This will be Martyn's fourth season in American RL and his second with the Slayers. Tyrone was part of the Hurricane squad that we played last year in Kingston. We recognized his talent immediately and jumped at the opportunity to secure him when we found out he was available.

SW: What does the 2nd half of the season look for you and where do you expect to finish?
DH: Looking at our schedule, it is not going to be easy. Going into Jax and Philly are always tough games, but we feel that we're now ready to beat any team that we go against. We've shown we can run with anybody, we just have to finish the match on top. We know we have to win at least three of the last four matches to qualify for the playoffs and I'm using the 2009 Paramatta Eels as an example to the boys. They had a rough start to the season, but turned it on to make the playoffs and eventually win the grand final. I think we can mirror their performance and be standing on the pitch on 24 August as USARL champions.

SW: You've lost playing against some very good sides. Who do you think will be playing in the final up in Philadelphia on August 24?
DH: I think that the top four teams will be Fight, Axemen, 13's, and the Slayers. I predict we will beat the Fight and the Axemen will beat the 13's and we will face the Axemen on 24 Aug. Its going to be a close match, but feel we will come out on top 30-24.

SW: Your one of the oldest and most established rugby league clubs in the country yet success hasn't come easily. Why should fans in and out the DC area care believe in you?
DH: The Slayers are in our 10th season and have a reputation of never quitting. This club has faced great adversity and still remains. It survived the 2007 split when players left to start the now NOVA Eagles, it remains after founder Marin O'Donoghue left the DC area and relocated to Atlanta, GA. We will travel anywhere, anytime, and play anyone simply because we have that reputation as a hard hitting tough opponent. This year's results are proof, we have been part of the tightest games of the season. If a team thinks they are going to come up against the Slayers and run over us, you'd better think twice.

SW: Traveling back to Jacksonville in 2 weeks. What can Axemen fans expect from this DC team knowing that you are still in the hunt for a finals spot? Jax better be ready.
DH: They pretty much have a playoff spot secured and we are still on the hunt to get in the top four. We will bring everything we have and leave nothing in reserve to pull out the win. On 13 in Jax we are going to play the match of the season. People better make sure to get a copy of the match because they are going to be talking about this one for years to come. Steve, its been great talking with you.

Remaining games for the Slayers

Sat, Jun 29 4:00 pm @ Baltimore Blues
Sat, Jul 13 5:00 pm @ Jacksonville Axemen
Sat, Jul 20 1:30 pm (H) Baltimore Blues
Sat, Jul 27 5:00 pm @ Philadelphia Fight