Mayhem's Jon St John selected to start for the USA Hawks against Canada

Source: Tampa Mayhem

We caught up with Jon and asked him a few questions about this weekend’s experience and what it means.

What are you looking forward to most about representing your country?

In the last few years, Rugby League has really taken off in the United States. This match will be a great opportunity to display just how far we have come. Personally, I am excited about putting it all on the field for my country.

How has preparation gone and what have you been doing to keep fit?

The coaching staff provided us with great workout sessions that will definitely payoff come match time. Beside those sessions, I trained at the Tampa Sports Academy doing circuits and focusing on my explosive power and endurance.

What are you expecting from Canada?

Canada has a well-developed team. This match should be a tough fast paced match but I believe the team and coaching staff will do the job.

You’ve had a previous cap, what did you learn from the experience?

Yes, I played in the 2014 Colonial Cup against Canada. This was my first international Rugby League experience and from the first whistle, I noticed the difference in the pace of the game and rugby IQ of players on both sides. From that experience, I learned the calibre of player I needed to become in order to play at an international level.

With the world cup next year in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea do you keep your place?

Keep my fitness up, keep learning the game, and keep improving. There’s a good amount of time before the World Cup. I believe one major factor in being selected will be the hunger to improve in all aspects of the game.

Lastly, any desires to play abroad or do you feel you can improve enough playing in the USARL?

While the allure of playing aboard is tempting, I believe that the USARL has developed into a top notch competition that has the ability to develop great players. I’m excited for what’s to come for the USARL and the Tampa Mayhem.