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Game of the Week: AMNRL
Posted in: Rugby League
By Brian Lowe
Jun 4, 2010 - 4:48:09 AM
The kickoff to the 2010 American National Rugby League season is now just 24 hours away with a full slate of games scheduled for opening day.
Straight away the match that stands out as the Game of the Week is the Aston Bulls at the Philadelphia Fight.
Both teams have beefed up their rosters with both import players and local guys, Aston scoring the league’s biggest ever coup by signing former Australian test player Daniel Wagon.
Philly, which has also drawn the services of some top line Aussies from the Illawarra region south of Sydney, is hosting at AA Garthwaite Stadium and will be looking to make an immediate impact on this year’s standings.
The other game of particular interest features the new expansion team Pittsburgh Vipers at home to the Washington DC Slayers.
There are several former Slayers in the Vipers’ mix, including Ken DeLucia, David Banta and Sione Tapu.
Tapu heads up a strong Tongan contingency, of which there are four on the Pittsburgh side as it stands.
The team is primarily comprised of players from the Pittsburgh RFC, as well as the Pittsburgh Harlequins and a few local college players.
“Being that there is some familiarity and friendships between the two sides, I believe that this will be an immediate rivalry match as they will surely not want to lose to friends and former teammates, as is the same for us,” Pittsburgh captain Ken DeLucia tells ARN.
“Not to be overlooked, it's our first match ever, home, to boot.”
Remember to check back right here to get caught up on the all the news, scores and highlights from Round 1 in the 2010 AMNRL season.
Opening day matchups:
Philadelphia Fight v Aston Bulls
Pittsburgh Vipers v Washington DC Slayers
New York Knights v Boston 13s
Fairfax Eagles v Jacksonville Axemen
Connecticut Wildcats v New Haven Warriors
Northern Raiders (bye)
