The following statement was released today from the Team.
The New Zealand Police Rugby League Team – The Fencibles are about to embark on a 4 match tour of the East Coast of the USA. The team all sworn officers based in Auckland are lead by former NZ Warrior and Kiwi player Tony Tatupu they bring a 22 man squad to seek out the very best the AMNRL has to offer.
With games against the Jacksonville Axemen, the Washington DC Slayers, the New Haven Warriors and the USA All Stars; the Kiwis are in for a tough time. Club Chairman & Co-coach Tony Feasey states ‘ we are under no illusions as to how tough this tour is going to be. The standard of rugby league as improved immensely since we were here last in 2006. But we have been training well and are looking forward to some football.’
The Kiwi Police have been carefully reading match reports via American Rugby News and the respective club websites and know just how much the teams have improved.
‘We know very little about the Jacksonville Axemen and as such see them as a big threat to us,’ says Feasey. We have heard they play a very physical no nonsense brand of rugby league and look to entertain their loyal following. This will make them dangerous.’
The Police are especially looking forward to the Grand Final day on August 23rd. ‘It will be a special occasion in a number of ways’ says Tony Feasey. ‘ Not only are we celebrating the AMNRL grand final, but we are also celebrating 100 years of rugby league. Add to that it is an opportunity to thank a number of people for their service to the game of rugby league, such as Jeff Preston and David Niu and it is also an opportunity to say thanks to the men and woman of the US Army who are serving out of Fort Dix New Jersey where the grand final is to be held.’
The Police team promise to entertain and play attractive rugby league and want to see as many of the local people as possible come out and support their local team. Remember.. no pads, no helmets, bigger hits and faster plays! You wont be disappointed.