The American National Rugby League has named an 18-man squad for Saturday’s Donnybrook Cup international against Ireland ‘A’ in Philadelphia. The squad features the return of three former Tomahawks who missed the 2011 season and the debut of another trio to face the Wolfhounds. Ben Kelly is recalled after nearly four years out. He last donned the stars and stripes in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup qualifier against Samoa. Also back in the Tomahawks side are Kenny Britt and Damien O’Malveney, both were members of the USA’s victorious 2010 Atlantic Cup team. A highly rated player centre Akarika Dawn will make his debut alongside Keiki Misipeka and Hawaii’s Vai Notoa. Hooker Apple Pope again captains the side.

“We are looking forward to an exciting challenge against a tough Ireland team,” said USA assistant coach Marcus Vassilakopoulos. “We got our behinds smacked last year and I'm sure they'll be very tough again this year. The USA boys have prepared well and will give it their all on Saturday.”

Saturday’s Donnybrook Cup match, presented by Harrah’s Chester, PA, is scheduled to kick off at 1pm ET at Quick Stadium at Widener University.

USA TOMAHAWKS
1 Kenny Britt (Georgia) 2 Louis Tulio (Pennsylvania) 3 Keiki Misipeka (Connecticut) 4 Akarika Dawn (Texas) 5 Ian Elliott (New York) 6 Luke Hume (New York) 7 Damien O'Malveney (Connecticut) 8 Andrew Kniesly (Pennsylvania) 9 Apple Pope (Georgia) [Capt] 10 Salesi Tongamoa (Georgia) 11 Sean Taylor (New York) 12 John Dykeman (New York) 13 Justin Ripley (New York). SUBS: 14 Matt Walsh (Connecticut) 15 Kelly McGill (Hawaii) 16 Vai Notoa (Hawaii) 17 Ben Kelly (Connecticut) 18 Curtis Cunz (Connecticut)