USA and Canada both make a number of changes to their 17 for the deciding Colonial Cup match to be staged at the A.A. Garthwaite Stadium, Philadelphia this Sunday 18th October (kick off 3pm). The Canadians won the opening clash at the same venue last month, 36-28, their first-ever win on Hawks soil and are looking to retain the trophy.

USA coach Peter Illfield brings seven newcomers into his line up; winger Jared Frymoyer, who played for USA in 2010 and 2014; Luke Barron, who enjoyed a Premiership winning season in Brisbane, with Mitchelton Panthers; Mike Timpano, a prolific goal kicker who has played in three successful USARL Championships with the Philadelphia Fight; Shain Singleton, a half-back from Rhode Island Rebellion; Roman Lowery, equally at home at either full-back or wing; prop Barthelemy Longchamp and Zack Reichenbach, the youngest in the squad.

“We have a focus on developing domestic players,” said Illfield. “We want to give as many as possible the opportunity to experience national representation so they can engage other locals in the dream to play for their country, and raise the awareness and standard of play.”

Illfield added, “We’re looking for a winning combination in this game and to take the majority of this squad to the World Cup – Americas Qualifiers. I think with the changes we’ve made we can win, hopefully it will be by nine points or more.”

The Wolverines travel with six different players. Included for the first time is an Alberta Broncos’ representative, Lawrence Ross, who will be joined by British Columbia’s Alex Boyd and Jamie Kelly who will all make their debuts.  

Canada head coach, Jamie Lester, commented, “It was great to get a win first up, but there are some key areas that we need to improve in. This has provided a chance for some new players, it’s also a great opportunity for our coaching team to see different ones perform at the highest level prior to the World Cup Qualifiers. I have a lot of faith in this squad and I’m excited to see them in action.”

Pictured: Action from match one.
Photo credit: Carolyn Ritchie.

USA 17-MAN SQUAD
Terrance Williams (Atlanta Rhinos), Taylor Alley, Bart Longchamp, Gareth Walker (Central FL Warriors), Luke Barron (Connecticut Wildcats), Kevin Wiggins (Delaware Black Foxes), Jon Purnell (Jacksonville Axemen), Ryan Burrows (NOVA Eagles), Casey Clark, Jared Frymoyer, Rich Henson, Andrew Kneisley, Roman Lowery, Zack Reichenbach, Mike Timpano (Philadelphia Fight), Abe Cohen (New York Knights), Shain Singleton (Rhode Island Rebellion)

CANADA 17-MAN SQUAD
Lawrence Ross (Alberta Broncos), Billy Gemmell, Christian Miller, Eric Moyer, Steve Piatek (Brantford Broncos), Denny McCarthy (Burlington Centaurs), Alex Boyd (Capilano Cougars), Jamie Kelly (Surrey Beavers), Jon Cregg, Michael Cregg, Tony Felix, Robin Legault, JT Rowbotham, Matt Wyles (Toronto Centurions), Eddie Bilborough, Antoine Blanc, Enoch Wamalwa (Toronto City Saints)