Ever wonder what a Rugby League player in america is really thinking about , how they go about practice, player recruitment and competition thoughts. Juggling work, higher education and personal life can be difficult already, but to toss being a player in a very niche sport and helping to grow, it can be a very tall mountain to climb. It's absolutely refreshing to see and hear some positive attitude from someone within a competition and the belief that with everything happening in a ever moving landscape that this is all for a positive step forward for League in America. The Kings begin the season soon and a chance to lay claim for Kings rugby to be the best, thanks so much to Shaniyat from the Kings who took the time to answer some questions. Hope you all enjoy and besure to fallow his journey this season.
SC- I’ve played league for 9 years now, rotating around as back. I’ve played union for 6 years. The Kings are the only domestic club I’ve played for since it was founded in 2014. A childhood friend played for the Rhode Island Rebellion a couple of years or so before that. So when he moved back to New York, he told me about this new club in Brooklyn. I had 0 rugby experience at the time. I was familiar with the game from movies like “Invictus” and “Forever Strong”. After watching match highlights of Billy Slater, I knew I had to give it a try. I played sports like football, soccer, basketball, and hockey growing up. So I was confident I could learn to play with my athletic abilities.
LLR- Internationally there's an idea of what training is needed to prepare for a match, what's training look like for your self and the team weekly?
SC- I’ve always believed in the results of your training will show when you play a match. Considering we are a domestic semi professional club, and a growing one at that, players and coaches trust each member to prepare themselves months in preparation in between the end of the previous season and heading into offseason training for the upcoming, I’d say about 6-7 months. So that gives everyone plenty of time to rest, recover, train both physically and mentally. League is a summer season in the eastern part of the states, so most players will play union in the Fall and into the Spring. Personally, I love the game so damn much, so my training and preparation has evolved in so many ways over the years. I train everyday and I’ll rotate between fitness in the gym and the field and doing a lot more mobility training to to get of nagging injuries from the year’s past. I work with a physio once a week to ensure I’m making progress. I work full time and go to graduate school in the Fall and Spring. So I’ll play union for the Brooklyn club of time allots me the chance to make sure I’m keeping up my fitness standards of play.
LLR- Are there any specific goals for yourself this season you wish to accomplish?
SC- I’m feeling really good overall so I’m just really exited to play a full season of league. It’s been 3 years since the pandemic and the game is continuing to develop so I’m excited at the prospect of playing with the boys this season and most importantly win. I’m confident with the team we have and there nothing more exciting than playing and winning finals footy. Of course, there’s always the thought of wanting to represent the national team to represent the US but I’m taking it one day at a time.
LLR- What's the overall sentiment from the team going into the RLU competition?
SC- Everyone is eager to play. We have experienced coaches which is always a plus and it’s put us in a fortunate position to have depth. We’re the only league club in NY. The Kings are energized with a mix of new players and a lot of veterans from the game. We’re looking forward to playing with one another and even against the other clubs. We’re a band of brothers with the clubs in the comp so being able to share the experience of the inaugural RLU season will be special.
LLR- What steps are being made from yourself and the team to help ensure the health of Rugby League continues to grow in your area ?
SC- Heading into the season though, RLU really is empowering players to have more of a voice to share ideas on developing the game which has been much needed. We’re feeling optimistic about the future of the game and all the opportunities that can come along to having a strong rugby league competition. League has been stuck in a rut the last few years in the US. We’re all observing the changes and moving appropriately in the landscape because we all want to grow the game at the end of the day. RLU provides that capacity for growing the game moving forward. I’ve been listening to more rugby podcasts such as Chasing Kangaroos and Rugby League in America, reading about the game, and staying up to date on rugby related news because I do hope to transition into a more development role one day. I am a firm believer in the potential in the game and I hope to be blessed to be in a position where I can make meaningful impact. Right now, I focus on the social media for the club and seeking funding opportunities to take the burden of costs for players.
LLR- Where will practices and games be located?
SC- We are welcoming anyone and everyone to come practice with us at Pier 3 field at the Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn, NY every Thursday nights at 6pm. Our matches will be played at Bush Terminal Piers Park.
LLR- NRL or Super League and what team do you fallow closely?
SC- I really enjoying watching the NRL. I’m a Warriors fan but I did go to to Brisbane to watch the Broncos play Parramatta for my first and only NRL match I’m 2019 and the energy was exhilarating. But also, up the Blues! I do watch match highlights of Castleford Tigers and Hull KR for Super League here and there but I do want to watch more of the games there.
LLR- What's the best way to fallow your journey and the clubs during this season and beyond?
SC- You can find me on
Instagram: @_shaniyat
Twitter: @shaniyatny
The Kings
Instagram:@Kingsrugbyleague
Twitter :@BrooklynkingsRL
Twitter is probably the best though for all the rugby league updates.
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