Former NRL star Daniel Vidot will debut for the USA Hawks in their opening Test against South Africa in Pretoria. Vidot’s selection follows his experience in the USARL, complementing his international background with Samoa. Coach Sean Rutgerson emphasizes the challenge of the tour, marking a pivotal moment in the teams’ preparations for future competitions. Both teams aim to strengthen domestic rugby league as South Africa bids to host the 2030 Men’s World Cup.
Daniel Vidot, the former National Rugby League (NRL) player, is poised to make his debut for the United States Hawks in their opening Test against South Africa in Pretoria on Wednesday. Vidot’s selection follows his impressive performance with the DC Slayers in the USARL’s north-east Rugby League United conference, after having played 114 NRL matches for teams including the Raiders, Dragons, Broncos, and Titans. The 34-year-old brings significant international experience, having previously represented Samoa in 10 Tests, including appearances in the 2013 World Cup and the 2014 Four Nations tournament.
Vidot relocated to the United States in 2018 to pursue a wrestling career with WWE and qualifies for the USA Rugby League under the International Rugby League’s five-year residency requirement. USA coach Sean Rutgerson, a former forward with Canberra and North Sydney Bears, has positioned Vidot in the centres for the forthcoming match. South Africa will also host a second Test against the Hawks on the following Saturday in Pretoria.
Coach Rutgerson remarked, “We look forward to this opportunity; two games in South Africa is a real challenge for the players. It is a great chance for them to grow as we continue to build the programme.” This series marks the first instance where the Rhinos have hosted the Hawks since their last encounter in Philadelphia in October 2011, which concluded with a decisive 40-4 victory for the USA. Both teams are focusing on domestic players to enhance their development ahead of upcoming international competitions, including South Africa’s aspirations to host the 2030 IRL Men’s World Cup.
Hawks captain Peter Lupton emphasized the significance of this tour, stating, “This tour is a great test for the USARL to show the intent of being a strong nation for the next World Cup cycle.” The matches will be available for streaming on www.sarugbyleague.co.za.
The squads for the respective teams include notable players representing various clubs, showcasing a commitment to strengthening rugby league in both nations as the sport progresses towards future tournaments.
The United States Hawks are preparing for their inaugural Test match in South Africa, marking a significant moment in their international rugby league journey. Daniel Vidot, a seasoned player with a rich background in the NRL and prior international experience with Samoa, is making his debut for the US team. This opportunity not only reflects the Hawks’ ambition to enhance their competitive stature globally but also highlights South Africa’s efforts to solidify its own standing in international rugby league. Both teams have set a precedent by prioritizing domestic talent, demonstrating their commitment to fostering the sport’s growth in their respective countries. The series of matches in Pretoria represents a crucial learning experience for the USA team, as they aim to improve and prepare for future international tournaments, including the 2030 Men’s World Cup. South Africa’s intention to host the World Cup further emphasizes the rising prominence of rugby league on the international stage.
In conclusion, Daniel Vidot’s debut with the USA Hawks against South Africa marks a vital step towards establishing competitive integrity within the international rugby league landscape. With both teams focused on nurturing domestic talent and enhancing their performance, the series promises to offer valuable lessons and experiences for the players involved. The USA aims to solidify its standing as a formidable force in rugby league as it progresses towards significant upcoming tournaments, including the 2030 World Cup.
Original Source: www.nrl.com
