By CHAMPIONSHIP RUGBY LEAGUE
WITH the most rugby league players ever assembled in the one location at one time in this country, the USA National 9s successfully opened the door on Stateside potential.
The host city Winnemucca was the perfect backdrop for the 10 hours of rugby league played by over 200 athletes. With the perfect blue skies and mountains in the background, the local crowd was treated to an enjoyable opening weekend.
The beers were flowing in the Winners Inn & Casino tent as a new audience was exposed to the nine-a-side version of the game. The stand out teams on the day were the Sacramento Immortals as well as the Laie Rhinos from Hawaii, both of whom remained undefeated over the course of the day.
The Lady Razorbacks kept their unbeaten record alive with three strong performances. The side has developed their attack over the last 12 months and are on track for the October 22 National Championship series against formidable opponents the Carolina Storm and the Roots Rugby Family.
“To have everyone together in a neutral location playing and expressing themselves was a special sight” said a spokesperson for the league.
Notable mentions to the Sacramento Immortals, Laie Rhinos, Provo Steelers, East Palo Alto Razorbacks and San Francisco Savage who finished with positive for and against.
Heading into the Western Division Championship it is the Sacramento Immortals and the Laie Rhinos who have displayed the most so far. The Immortals were a team on a mission from the first kick off till the last play. The energized team led by skipper Niulevu put up a total of 116 points over their five games.
The next event in the USA National Nines series is the Women’s National Championship and the Men’s Western Division Championship. These games will be played at Albert Lowry High School with the first games starting at 8am and the event concluding in the evening.
The winners for each will take home the Winnemucca Cup, which will be presented after each event.
Winners Inn & Casino will host the event celebrations including the presentation of the prize money.
Pictured: Laie Rhinos
