Former NRL star Daniel Vidot is set to debut for the USA Hawks in a Test series against South Africa. Selected following his performance with the DC Slayers, Vidot has previous international experience, having represented Samoa. The Hawks will play two matches in Pretoria, highlighting the development of rugby league in both nations. Coach Rutgerson emphasizes the challenge these games present, while South Africa prepares for future international competitions.
Daniel Vidot, the former NRL player, is poised to make his debut for the USA Hawks in the opening Test match against South Africa in Pretoria on Wednesday. Vidot, who has an impressive history in the NRL with 114 matches across teams such as the Raiders, Dragons, Broncos, and Titans, was selected for the Hawks following his performance with the DC Slayers in the USARL’s north-east Rugby League United conference. With previous experience representing Samoa in 10 Test matches, including appearances in the 2013 World Cup and the 2014 Four Nations tournament, Vidot brings significant international experience to the American squad. Having relocated to the United States in 2018 to pursue a career with WWE, he qualified for the USA Hawks under the International Rugby League’s five-year residency requirement.
USA Hawks coach Sean Rutgerson, a former player for the Canberra and North Sydney Bears, has named Vidot to play in the centres for the first Test match against the Rhinos. This match marks the beginning of a two-match series hosted by South Africa, with the second Test scheduled for Saturday, also in Pretoria. Rutgerson expressed his optimism regarding the challenges these games present, stating, “We look forward to this opportunity, two games in South Africa is a real challenge to the players. It’s a great chance for them to grow as we continue to build the programme.”
Additionally, the USA will host Greece in a double-header event featuring both men’s and women’s teams in Las Vegas on February 28, alongside a series of historic NRL matches slated for March 1 at Allegiant Stadium. The Tests in Pretoria represent a significant occasion, being the first time the Rhinos will host the Hawks since their last encounter in Philadelphia back in 2011, which concluded with a dominant 40-4 victory for the USA.
In pursuit of developing rugby league in both nations, both South Africa and the USA have selected domestic players for these matches. South Africa is particularly focused on preparing for the 2025 World Series against France, Jamaica, and the Cook Islands. South African coach Fanie Bredenhann emphasized the importance of this venture, stating, “This venture will prove to our lads the level of preparation needed, mentally and physically, to compete at this level.”
As South Africa also prepares to bid for the opportunity to host the 2030 IRL Men’s World Cup, Rhinos team manager Andre Coetzer expressed excitement about the series. The USA Hawks captain, Peter Lupton, stressed the significance of the tour as a foundational step toward establishing a strong performance in future international competitions, asserting, “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.
This article discusses the debut of rugby player Daniel Vidot for the USA Hawks rugby league team in a series against South Africa. It outlines Vidot’s background as a former NRL player and his transition to international play with the USA. The significance of this series is emphasized, as it not only marks Vidot’s international debut but also aims to advance the development of rugby league in both the USA and South Africa. Furthermore, it highlights the broader context of competitive rugby league fixtures, including future events involving the USA and other nations, as well as preparations for upcoming World Cups.
In summary, Daniel Vidot’s debut for the USA Hawks against South Africa marks a significant milestone in the development of rugby league in the United States. With a rich background in NRL and international competition, Vidot’s participation alongside a selection of domestic players demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the sport’s profile. The two-match series presents valuable opportunities for player growth and national representation as both teams prepare for future challenges, including upcoming World Cups. Ultimately, this venture reflects a strategic drive toward establishing competitive rugby league programs in both nations.
Original Source: www.nrl.com
