Brian McDermott names USA squad for Rugby League World Cup
Sunday 24 September 2017 14:29, UK
Leeds coach Brian McDermott has become the first man to show his hand for the 2017 World Cup by announcing his 23-man United States squad.
McDermott, who is taking charge of the Hawks on a part-time basis, has included 12 players from the USARL's domestic club competition.
Hull's new signing Bureta Faraimo is also included along with former Wigan forward Edward Pettybourne and London Broncos forward Mark Offerdahl, who captained the team during their qualifying campaign.
"Having a large group of actual American players is a massive thing for USA rugby league," said McDermott.
"It shows how much the game is developing and that will only help attract sponsors, fans and more people who will want to play.
"The American people want to see Americans playing. We expect to show that we are more than competitive against the world's best rugby league countries."
McDermott, who is hoping to guide Leeds to the Super League Grand Final, will take up his duties with the USA in Townsville on October 21, a week before their opening game against Fiji.
The Hawks also play Italy and Papua New Guinea in their group.
United States World Cup squad: J Taylor Alley (Central Florida Warriors), R Burroughs, J Eichner (both Toronto Wolfpack), C Cortalano, M Walsh, K Freed (White Plains Wombats), B Faraimo (NZ Warriors), G Farley, A Kneisly (Philadelphia Fight), D Howard (Wentworthville Magpies), C Makelim, S Howard (Mounties), M Johnston (Delaware Black Foxes), N Newlin, F Malu (Atlanta Rhinos), D Marando (Belrose Eagles), M Offerdahl (London Broncos), E Pettybourne, S Tochtermann-Talbot (Tweed Heads Seagulls), J Rice (New York Knights), M Shipway (South Newcastle), D Ulch (Tampa Mayhem), T Junior Vaivai (Illawarra Wests Devils).
