Jamaica host USA in a men’s senior international tomorrow (Saturday) at the University of West Indies’ Mona Bowl in Kingston (kick off at 3pm, local time).
The match, for world ranking points, will be the Reggae Warriors’ first since their appearance in the World Cup a year ago - and only third international at home in 18 years – and will be the ninth encounter between the nations.
The Hawks lead 6-2, although Jamaica have won the last two encounters. The hosts are set to hand debuts to Daniel Graham, Tahjay Lynch, Hakeem Richards, Kahil Green, Oshane Edie and Kamarine Williams but are without Khamisi McKain who played in the World Cup but is recovering from a broken leg.
Jamaica men’s Lead coach, Roy Calvert, commented: “We are looking forward to this game as the Hawks have always been good competition for us. It’s important for nations in the Americas to provide opportunities for our domestic players to test themselves at a high level.
“Both countries are looking to debut several newcomers and that makes the game even more interesting. Jamaica’s squad has some exciting young players as strategically we are looking to build on the next generation to propel us over the next 10 years. The great thing is they get to play with legends like Thompson and Bailey who have been around for that long.”
The USA men’s team have had a four-year absence from the international scene, with their last encounter being a 38-16 loss to Cook Islands in the RLWC2021 repechage game, and the Hawks will field a new-look side selected from seven clubs.
“I’m really happy to have the men’s Hawks playing again,” noted USA head coach Sean Rutgerson. “It has been too long between games. We are looking forward to being in Jamaica with eight new guys aiming to gain their first cap.”
JAMAICA SQUAD
Akeem Murray, Andrew Simpson, Chevaughn Bailey, Daniel Graham, Jade Harrison, Kenneth Walker, Kevin Thomas, Kile Nembhard, Marvin Thompson, Owen Linton, Ryan Grant (Duhaney Park Red Sharks), Adrian Hall, (Liguanea Dragons), Tahjay Lynch, (St Catherine OB Thundercats), Hakeem Richards, Kahil Green, Oshane Edie, Reinhardo Richards (Washington Blvd Bulls), Kamarine Williams, Omar Jones (West Kingston Hyenas)
USA SQUAD
Sean Hunt (Atlanta Rhinos) Tevita Bryce, Kyle Granby (Brooklyn Kings) Urban Iyo, Peter Lupton (Boston 13s) Ethan Ferrick (DC Cavalry) Ryan Bannerot, Jason Martin, Mason McCrory, David Washington, Malcom Webb, James Williams (Jacksonville Axemen) Wes Piggins (Southwest Florida Copperheads) Joe Eichner, Matt Finnesy, Gunnar Johnson, Bart Longchamp (Tampa Mayhem)
Duhaney Park Red Sharks claim 10th national rugby league title with thrilling win over JDF Warriors
The Duhaney Park Red Sharks have solidified their status as a rugby league powerhouse, clinching their 10th National Club Championship (NCC) title in Jamaica with a dramatic 17-16 victory over the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Warriors. This victory at the UWI Mona Bowl also marks the Red Sharks' eighth consecutive Grand Finals win, underscoring their dominance in Jamaican rugby league.
The match was a rollercoaster from start to finish. JDF made an explosive start, taking a 9-0 lead within the first 15 minutes thanks to winger Shezorye Thompson, who scored a try and two goals, complemented by a drop goal from center Demar Williams. Duhaney Park responded in the 20th minute when loose forward Owen Linton crossed the try line, though Ryan Grant's missed conversion left the Red Sharks trailing 4-9 at halftime.
The second half saw JDF further extend their lead to 15-4 through a brilliant try by Jowayne Forbes, who made a break from his own half, evading six defenders to score in the right corner. This play was considered the try of the game, putting immense pressure on the Red Sharks. However, Duhaney Park gradually clawed their way back into contention. Prop Khamisi McKain scored a try under the posts, and Grant converted to reduce the deficit to 10-15.
In the 64th minute, back-rower Jenson Morris closed the gap even further, scoring an unconverted try in the left corner to make it 14-15. JDF then managed a drop goal from Thompson, nudging their lead to 16-14. However, Duhaney Park kept their composure, with Grant slotting a crucial penalty eight minutes from time to level the scores at 16-16.
The game seemed destined for extra time until veteran scrum-half Chevaughn Bailey stepped up in the 78th minute, sealing the win with a perfectly executed drop goal from 30 meters out. The late score sent Duhaney Park fans into ecstatic celebrations, as the team secured a hard-fought victory.
Duhaney Park's head coach Roy Calvert praised the JDF for their performance, describing the final as the toughest game in recent seasons. “This final is probably the hardest game we have had in two to three seasons. Kudos to the Army for a great fight. I am proud of my boys, especially our youngsters, who really stood up. It’s our 20th year as a club, and getting the win means a lot to us,” Calvert said.
JDF’s coach Sergeant Kemar Catwell commended his team’s resilience against the defending champions. “My team showed a lot of character against a very good Red Sharks team. We had our chances, and if we had taken them, it might have been a different outcome. Hats off to Duhaney Park; champions find a way to win, but JDF will be back stronger,” Catwell remarked.
In the third-place playoff, the Washington Bulls edged out the St. Catherine Thundercats 3-2 on kicks after regular time ended with both teams tied at 10-10.
Scorers
Duhaney Park Red Sharks: Tries by Owen Linton, Khamisi McKain, and Jenson Morris; goals by Ryan Grant (2); drop goal by Chevaughn Bailey.
JDF Warriors: Tries by Shezwayne Thompson and Jowayne Forbes; goals by Shezwayne Thompson (3); drop goal by Demar Williams.
As two of the founding clubs of rugby league in Jamaica celebrate their 20th anniversary, this thrilling match serves as a testament to the fierce rivalry and competitive spirit that defines the sport on the island.
Weah and McKennie recalled as Pochettino names first USA squad
Mauricio Pochettino has named his first squad as head coach of the United States, with Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie recalled to face Panama and Mexico.
The former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss, who was unveiled as Gregg Berhalter's successor last month, is gearing up for his first matches in charge of the Stars and Stripes.
Christian Pulisic retains the captain's armband with the AC Milan forward looking to build on his impressive start to the season, in which he has scored five goals and delivered two assists.
Meanwhile, the Juventus duo of Weah and McKennie are back in the fold after missing the September window, as are defenders Antonee and Miles Robinson.
Zack Steffen and Gianluca Busio also return to the squad, with the Colorado Rapids goalkeeper in line to earn his first international cap since March 2022.
The United States will face Panama at the Q2 Stadium in Austin on October 12, before travelling to Estadio Akron to take on Mexico three days later.
Full squad: Ethan Horvath, Patrick Schulte, Zack Steffen, Matt Turner; Marlon Fossey, Kristoffer Lund, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty; Brenden Aaronson, Gianluca Busio, Johnny Cardoso, Weston McKennie, Aidan Morris, Yunus Musah, Malik Tillman; Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent, Timothy Weah, Haji Wright.
Pulisic hopes Pochettino can improve USA mentality and culture
Christian Pulisic hopes the arrival of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino will improve the United States' mentality and culture, following their 1-1 draw with New Zealand.
The Stars and Stripes were denied a first victory in four matches after Ben Waine's fortuitous equaliser in the 89th minute cancelled out Pulisic's opener in Cincinnati.
Pochettino was officially announced earlier in the day as the successor to Gregg Berhalter, who was dismissed following the United States' poor Copa America campaign.
The former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss will pick up the baton from interim coach Mikey Varas, and Pulisic hopes the Argentine's arrival will spark the nation back into life.
"Hopefully, a culture that is willing to fight, that is willing to take risks, you know, win," the Stars and Stripes skipper said when asked what he wants Pochettino to bring to the role.
"There are a lot of things that need to change, just the mentality and the culture of the group. I think we have the quality, but hopefully that's the first thing he's going to want to change."
Pochettino will also be tasked with improving the United States' results, having now won just one of their last seven matches. And Pulisic issued a rallying cry to his team-mates.
"Obviously, [these are] difficult results for us, and it's not a great feeling," he added.
"But I think moving forward, it's time to turn a page, and we really have to pick up a level - I mean everyone that's a part of this. It feels pretty low right now, but I know there are better times ahead."
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