The American National Rugby League will celebrate not only ten years of Rugby League in the USA but also the tenth Cup Final to crown the champion Rugby League club in the nation. The excitement of hosting the event at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida, home of the Jacksonville Axemen, is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of Daryl 'Spinner' Howland and Drew Slover in developing the expansion club into one of the most successful operations in USA rugby union or league. Hodges Stadium not only offers first class playing facilities but fans can expect to get a great view of the action from the sidelines in stadium seating along with exceptional food, beverages and entertainment. This years Cup Final will feature a fantastic battle between Rugby League perennial powerhouses in the USA, and fans cannot beat the value for their dollar as admission is only $5 and for those that enjoy a cold beer with their entertainment for $1 you can find a cool beverage to meet your needs.

In celebrating the tenth anniversary of Rugby League in America the Championship Final will also bring down the curtain on a number of stellar careers that have shaped not only the domestic competition in this country but also the development of the USA Tomahawks National Team on the International stage:-

Sadly a nasty head injury sustained in the Semi Final match against the Sharks, has called an end to the career of USA Tomahawks International Marcus Vassilakopoulos of the Bulls. 'Vassy' has been a star performer for the Bulls since he moved to the USA in 2003 after playing professionally in Super League Europe with the Leeds Rhinos and Sheffield Eagles. Marcus was the AMNRL MVP in 2004 and played in the past four Cup Finals, winning championships in 2004 and 2005. Everyone associated with Rugby League in America and overseas wish Vassy a speedy recovery and look forward to his future role in the development of Rugby League in the USA.

The New York Knights RLFC would have never had a chance to develop if not for the incredible drive and determination of Rob Balachandran. A clever operator both on and off the field, Rob has developed a superb organization in Manhattan with a first class home venue and powerful player base. Rob is one of the most capped internationals in USA Rugby League history and his role as player on the national team dates back to 1993 with a debut international against Canada. Along with playing in two Rugby League World Cups and an AMNRL Cup Final Winners Medal in 2002 has seen Rob achieve everything possible in USA Rugby League. Without the on and off field leadership of Rob Balachandran, Rugby League in America would not be where it is today.

Jeff Preston was a foundation member of the USA National Team in the modern era playing his first international in 1993 against Canada in Lake Placid and his final International match against Japan in October 2006. Having led the USA Tomahawks for many of his 50 odd international appearances, it will be his fearless running and inspirational leadership that will be long remembered. Anyone associated with international rugby league will know that US Rugby League and the name Jeff Preston are synonymous, in fact the trophy that commemorates matches between the USA and Ireland bare his name as he two nations compete for the Jeff Preston - Paul Owen Trophy, representing the first two captains of USA v Ireland Internationals. Jeff is the founder of the Philadelphia Fight, holds a number of league records and played in three Championship Finals, earning a Championship medal in 1998.

Shayne Mains has featured in eight AMNRL Cup Finals with the 2007 Championship being his ninth appearance and final match for the almighty Bulls. A two time AMNRL MVP in 1999 and 2002, 'The Chief' has been the dominant defensive force in the history of Rugby League in America. No player or team could ever escape the ferocity of a front on shot from Shayne, and his efforts on the field earned him the respect of many international opponents including the World Champion Kangaroos who took on the Tomahawks at Franklin Field in Philadelphia as 'the Chief' nearly led the USA to one of the greatest upsets in the history of Rugby League as the Tomahawks went down 36-24 after having led 24-6 for the majority of the match. With numerous Championship Medals to his credit and over thirty international appearances, Shayne Mains will end his Rugby League career and All American Collegiate Football at Hodges Stadium on Saturday night.

With a background in football, baseball and wrestling, Erik Hollingsworth shaped a fine career as the star fullback of the USA Tomahawks and Bulls for many years. Erik has represented the USA on tours of Australia and England as the final line of defense that has been the backbone of the Bulls for over a decade in which he has played in all nine National Championship Finals, with this match being Cup Final number ten with six winners medals to his credit. 'E-Dog' made the number one jersey on the national team his own after outstanding performances against many nations, along with a standout display against the Australian Kangaroos in 2004 that won the respect of viewers worldwide. Erik was the AMNRL MVP in 2005.

Thank You Vassy, Bobo, Sergeant Slaughter, Chief and E-Dog from everyone associated with the American National Rugby League!

Along with the players retiring on Saturday night, the AMNRL would like to recognize and pay tribute to the efforts of those continuing to play and serve the AMNRL who have shaped their local regions and developed Rugby League in their cities around the USA.

True pioneers and dedicated members of a select group growing Rugby League in America:-

We salute:-

Daryl Howland and Drew Slover - Jacksonville Axemen

Tom Collins, Rich Nolte, Marty O'Donoghue - Washington DC Slayers

Phil Shipos, Steve Thompson, Justin Zadnik, Fred Backhaus, Sal Rannielo, Zac Padgett - Bucks County Sharks

Peter Illfield, Alan Chmeleski, Pat Kelly - Philadelphia Fight

Rich Portale, Danny Bull, Ben Kelly - Connecticut Wildcats

Adam Hamon, Blair Wards, Christian Rahui - New Haven Warriors

Joel Venables - Northern Raiders

Matt Astill, Paul Adams, Guilliame Cuiletatt - New York Knights

Bill Hansbury, Ron Artingstall, Greg Stelutti, Ben Mills, Ed Woodbridge, Chris Criag, Jason McCarthy, Cory Sheridan, Ric Dortone - Aston DSC Bulls