Brooklyn Kings Crowned 2025 USARL National Champions

The Brooklyn Kings have secured their second USA Rugby League National Championship, defeating the Jacksonville Axemen in a high-intensity Grand Final at the University of North Florida.

With Jacksonville fans hoping to see their side lift a fifth title in their milestone 20th season, the Kings silenced the home crowd early with Anthony Russo crossing twice in the opening 10 minutes to give Brooklyn a 10–0 lead, with the visitors’ forward pack dominating the early exchanges. The Axemen responded before the break with Jason Martin finishing a right-edge move to cut the deficit to 10–4 at halftime.

The Axemen started the second half with renewed energy, as the conditions began to take a toll on Brooklyn. Ryan Bannerot exploited fatigued markers to score before a brilliant kick chase from James Williams set up Kyle McCollum to put Jacksonville ahead 12-10.

Brooklyn regrouped and strong runs from Tevita Bryce and Derek Lidscombe sparked a dominant 20 minute period, with the Kings piling on 24 unanswered points. A late Jacksonville try added respectability to the scoreline, but Brooklyn ran out convincing winners and National Champions again six years after their first.

Brooklyn head coach Matt Isherwood praised his team's resilience and their hard-fought journey back to the national championship, describing it as a long and grinding road since their last title, while Axemen coach Sean Rutgerson saw positives in a rookie-filled squad that promises a bright future for Jacksonville.

The Kings will now aim for back-to-back titles in 2026, while the Axemen look to bounce back in their 21st season.