Former NRL star Daniel Vidot will debut for the USA Hawks in the Test against South Africa in Pretoria. Vidot boasts an impressive career in rugby league, having played for multiple NRL teams and represented Samoa internationally. The matches against South Africa are pivotal for player development and the growth of rugby league in both nations, with all players being domestically sourced. Both Tests will be streamed online.
Daniel Vidot, a former star of the National Rugby League (NRL), is poised to make his debut for the United States national team, the USA Hawks, in the opening Test against South Africa, scheduled for Wednesday in Pretoria. Vidot, who has a notable history in the NRL with 114 matches played across various teams including the Canberra Raiders, St. George Illawarra Dragons, Brisbane Broncos, and Gold Coast Titans, earned his selection after impressive performances with the DC Slayers in the USARL’s North-East Rugby League United conference. Prior to his new role, he represented Samoa in ten Tests, participating in both the 2013 World Cup and the 2014 Four Nations tournament.
At the age of 34, Vidot relocated to the United States in 2018 to pursue a career with WWE, which qualifies him to represent the Hawks under the International Rugby League’s five-year residency rule. USA coach Sean Rutgerson, a former player for the Canberra Raiders and North Sydney Bears, has appointed Vidot to play in the centres for the first Test against the South African Rhinos. A second Test match will follow on Saturday, both held in Pretoria.
Expressing enthusiasm over the upcoming matches, Coach Rutgerson remarked on the significance of facing such an international challenge, emphasizing the opportunity for player development and growth within the program. The USA intends to host Greece in a men’s and women’s double-header on February 28, coinciding with notable NRL matches scheduled at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Both the USA Hawks and South Africa are fielding primarily domestic players, reflecting an effort to cultivate rugby league within their respective countries, while South Africa prepares for the 2025 World Series.
In anticipation of these matches, South Africa’s coach, Fanie Bredenhann, commented on the vital preparation necessary for competing at high-level rugby league. Furthermore, South Africa aims to bid for the 2030 IRL Men’s World Cup, indicating their commitment to the growth of the sport. The team manager of the Rhinos expressed excitement about the competitive spirit and high-quality matches expected during the series against the USA.
Veteran Hawks captain Peter Lupton underscored the importance of this tour as a significant step toward fortifying the USARL’s potential ahead of the upcoming World Cup cycles. Both Test matches are to be streamed live on www.sarugbyleague.co.za, fostering engagement from fans around the globe.
This article covers the debut of former NRL player Daniel Vidot for the USA Hawks as they compete in rugby league matches against South Africa. It provides a comprehensive overview of Vidot’s career prior to joining the Hawks, including his previous international experience with Samoa. The article also highlights the significance of the two Test matches, not only for player development but also for the growth of rugby league in the United States and South Africa. The article outlines the teams’ rosters and the strategic implications of these matches in the context of upcoming international competitions.
In summary, Daniel Vidot’s debut for the USA Hawks represents a significant moment for both the player and the team as they aim to establish themselves on the international stage. The upcoming Tests against South Africa not only serve as a platform for individual player growth but also reflect a broader commitment to developing rugby league in the USA. With both teams fielding domestic players, this initiative seeks to enhance the competitive nature of rugby league in their respective nations, paving the way for future international competitions.
Original Source: www.nrl.com
