A short post today. So last night ended up being a good night out. Had a good look at Jacksonville’s night spots, the Beaches seem to be where all the action happens. One interesting thnin g was talking with people, again there was a large awareness of the game and the Axemen here. Some people said that they were going to the game. So will be interesting to see how many turn out today.
This morning I was talking with Roy Calvert from Jamaican Rugby League and about some exciting new initiatives they are introducing. There will be a high school development program where the best 10 players get scholarships and eventually this is going to lead to a semi-pro team Called the Hurricanes. This is yet to be confirmed by David Niu and the AMNRL, but the hope is that the Hurricanes will play in the AMNRL. The goal is to have this team enter in 5 years or so, but to have it set up next year with the aim of developing and getting ready for that. This is sort of what the AFL have done with the Gold Coast and GWS teams. So exciting times. Once I get more information I will get more details out.
Now, a bit of lunch and its off to Hodges Stadium to the game! Canada take on the USA and a reminder that you can see this on the We Are Rugby website.
OK So a small addendum. Am at the stadium and the AMNRL have pulled out all stops for this. There is a fantastic local band playing, I guess Hard Rick/Metal is their genre they are rally good, the Air Force is here for their recruiting drive, several other businesses have also got their stands here. The crowd where the band is, is about 50 when i was there, but there are heaps of cars in the car park.
But you know you have made it as a sport in the USA when you have people tailgating in the carpark before that match. Chris and Scott are new to Rugby League and they heard about the game on the radio, 1010XL was the station and also they checked it out on the website.
So now the teams are out on the field warming up, in the stands there is a bit of a crowd already, i’d say about 100 so far. Hopefully there will be a bigger crowd today. The gods are with us, its a beautiful day, warm with a slight breeze to keep you cool. Up here in the press box everyone are like ants scurrying around getting things ready. Should be an awesome show on We Are Rugby today.
Canada: Robin Legault, Shane Farrell, Tyler Allen, Geoff Bylund, Rafal Kaczmarek, Adam Moody, Mat Wyles, Steve Conlon, Tim mason, Steve Lamb, Henry Miers, Marc Hanke, Jamie Lester, Dave Burton, Interchange: Cam Grace, Josh In, Tom Kimball, Dale Fitzgerald
USA: Kenny Britt, Nate Smith, Matt Thornton, Curtis Cunz, Mike Brazill, Brent Shorten, Damien O’Malveney, Matt Clarke, Apple Pope, Conway Maraki, Andrew Kneisly, Ewan Robinson, Sean Taylor, Interchange: Gareth Baxendale, Sione Taufa, Michael Cartwright, Vaka Manupana
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