USARL.org – The United States Association of Rugby League (USARL) is proud to announce a landmark series of international rugby league matches in Las Vegas, coinciding with the 2025 NRL Rugby League events. The USA Hawks men’s and women’s national teams will face Greece Rugby League in a first-of-its-kind doubleheader as part of NRL Weekend. [lead graphic c/o @rugbyleagueusa]
The series begins with a men’s match on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at Silverbowl Park in Las Vegas. The highlight event will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025, featuring a thrilling doubleheader with the USA Hawks women’s and men’s teams, immediately following the NRL 9s tournament.
In a joint agreement to promote domestic rugby league growth, both nations will field rosters exclusively composed of domestic players from their respective countries. This approach emphasizes the development of local talent and showcases the progress of rugby league in both the United States and Greece.
A Historic Moment for USA Rugby League
This series marks a significant milestone for the USA Hawks, as it is the first time the men’s and women’s national teams will compete together as part of a doubleheader. The matches symbolize the growth of rugby league in the U.S., offering both teams the chance to train and compete side by side throughout the week in Las Vegas.
Hawks Head Coach Sean Rutgerson shared his excitement about the men’s team and highlighted key players to watch:
“These games are an incredible opportunity to showcase the progress of rugby league in the U.S. I’m thrilled to see both teams compete against Greece and continue building the future of our national programs. For the men’s team, I’m excited to see Anson Jiang and Ulice Gilliard take another step forward as they proved to be a handful for the South Africans during our recent tour.”
The women’s team, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from a tough loss to Canada at November’s World Cup Qualifier. Despite the setback, Coach Rutgerson, serving as interim coach, remains optimistic about the team’s potential:
“The women’s team has continued to grow and develop over the past few months. This event will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase their talent and resilience. I’m excited to see how they perform as they continue their progression.”
For the USA Hawks men’s team, the series builds on the momentum of their recent successful tour of South Africa, where they secured two victories and climbed in international rankings. For the women’s team, the match offers a valuable opportunity to continue to strengthen the young program.
Match Details
Day 1
USA vs. Greece (Men)
Wednesday, February 26
Kickoff: 6 p.m.
Location: Silverbowl Park, 6800 E Russell Rd
Day 2
USA vs. Greece (Women & Men)
Friday, February 28
Women’s Kickoff: 5:30 p.m.
Men’s Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Silverbowl Park, 6800 E Russell Rd
USA Hawks Women’s Roster
Esther Anderson (New York State Queens)
Jeanna Beard (San Diego Barracudas)
Samantha Black (Tampa Mischief)
Bee Blackmon (San Diego Barracudas)
Racheal Bradley (Tampa Mischief)
Cindy Campbell (Tampa Mischief)
Lucinda Darvell (New York State Queens)
Nicole Fisch (Tampa Mischief)
Shannon Hustosky (East Palo Alto Razorbacks)
Narcisse Jordan (Tampa Mischief)
Ashley Menke (New York State Queens)
Robyn Oliveri (Tampa Mischief)
Kadie Sanford (Tampa Mischief)
Haley Sheldon (Jacksonville AxeWomen)
Stacia Thompson (Tampa Mischief)
Erin Walsh (LA Mongrel)
Taylor White (Jacksonville AxeWomen)
Coaching and Support Staff
Head Coach: Sean Rutgerson
Assistant Coach: Billy Neilson
Assistant Coach: Justin Branca
USARL Director/Tour Manager: Miranda Barnard
Athletic Trainer: Megan Campbell
USA Hawks Men’s Roster
David Washington (Jacksonville Axemen)
Ulice Gilliard (South Florida Copperheads)
Daniel Vidot (DC Cavalry)
Ryan Burroughs (DC Cavalry)
Jason Martin (Jacksonville Axemen)
Ryan Bannerot (Jacksonville Axemen)
Peter Lupton (Boston Bears)
Tevita Bryce (Brooklyn Kings)
Mason McCrory (Jacksonville Axemen)
Malcom Webb (Jacksonville Axemen)
Joe Eichner (Tampa Mayhem)
Wes Piggins (South Florida Copperheads)
Anson Jiang (Boston Bears)
Anthony Russo (Brooklyn Kings)
Fatai Makavaha (Provo Broncos)
Max Dacey (DC Cavalry)
Celsius Tarawhiti (Riverton Seagulls)
Gunnar Johnson (Tampa Mayhem)
Sione Masoe (LA Roosters)
Coaching and Support Staff
Head Coach: Sean Rutgerson
Assistant Coach: Matt Isherwood
Assistant Coach: Dave Ulch
USARL Director/Tour Manager: Billy Neilson
Athletic Trainer: Mary Slover