A Second Floridian Down Under Options

[deluded pom?]

http://www.jaxaxe.com/Home/tabid/129/newsi...58/Default.aspx

Apple will land far from the Tree


After four years of dedicated service to the Axemen, the last season that saw him be an integral part of the undefeated run to the National Championship and his selection onto the USA National team that defeated Jamaica, Apple Pope is leaving Jacksonville to play Rugby League in the country where the sport is as big as the NFL. He will leave this Sunday and fly halfway around the world for the chance to become the first Axemen player from the USA to play the sport at a professional level when he trials at the Tweed Heads Seagulls in the Gold Coast region of Australia. (www.tweedheadsseagulls.com.au)

Both Apple and Axemen founder, Spinner Howland, will arrive in the North Queensland town of Cairns and after 2 days of acclimating (and a visit to the great barrier reef) they will begin the 1100 mile drive South that will not only allow Apple a chance to see some sights but also make a few visits to various clubs along the way. The first stop will be at the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville that will allow him to see the facilities used by a professional team in the National Rugby League (NRL). Glen Murphy who played for the Cowboys at the elite level and is now the Athletic Performance Manager at the club, played Junior Rugby League with Spinner Howland and has offered to host Apple for a tour at Dairy Farmers Stadium. "I think it is important to have Apple see the professional facilities within the sport as soon as possible after arriving", Spinner said, "It will solidify the seriousness of the effort that he is going to have to put into making a real go of this opportunity."
Apple has continued his training since the Nov 14 USA vs. Jamaica game and hopes that the long preparation time will pay off once he arrives in Australia.

They will then travel to the City of Mackay to see the Mackay Cutters take on the Redcliffe Dolphins in a pre-season trial game for the Queensland Cup that is the same competition the Seagulls play in. They will also be met by former Newcastle Knights (NRL) player Dane Campbell in Mackay as he is visiting family in the area that weekend. Dane is now the coach for the Noosa Pirates who are currently hosting Zach Shaul from the Bradenton Bulldogs in Florida. Dane spent the last year playing in the Queensland Cup and will be a great resource for Apple to talk to about preparation.

They then travel the final leg and arrive on the Gold Coast in Southern Queensland where they will meet up with Rugby League legend, Kevin Campion. Campion and Spinner Howland (along with Murphy) all attended high school together and played all their Junior Rugby League in the small town of Sarina in North Queensland and all retain a passion for the sport. "Campo is a legend in the game back home" said Spinner, "He played at the highest level for a number of clubs and won Grand Finals (Superbowls) at the highest level and to be able to have some assistance from him is invaluable for Apple as he undertakes this task."

Although playing Rugby League will be the priority during his time in Australia, there are also other items that the Axemen have asked him to return to the USA with that include the first level certificates in coaching and refereeing.

The Axemen have been working on the necessary work permit since October of 2009 that would allow Apple this opportunity and they are excited that he is finally getting a real chance to improve his ability both as a player and also experience life in another country. It is important to note that they have also taken into consideration his life after Rugby League here in the USA and are helping him with his chosen career in the nursing field. Apple graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in nursing and will have the opportunity to continue that career in Australia as well. "It is important to understand that even those athletes who get a chance to play the game for money are not going to be able to play forever and there should always be a focus on a career after the playing days are over," Spinner said. "Apple has a really great chance to make money playing in Australia, but living there also creates an amazing opportunity for him to gain international experience in the career that will see him through life after this sport. Of course we want the focus to be on playing but realistically he will need to supplement his income with at least part time work and we really hope that is able to be in the nursing field. The bottom line is that he could come back to from Australia as one of the best players in the USA and also be able to add a great experience to his nursing resume. It's kind of a win, win situation."

Spinner will be updating the progress as the two make this trip and will send out updates on Twitter and Facebook (see main page to join the Axemen groups). He will also update this site as time permits.

More details will also come about the Tweed Heads Seagulls Club as Apple settles in and all Axemen fans will have a chance to support him while in Australia.

[norwegian rl fan]

http://www.jaxaxe.com/Home/tabid/129/newsi...58/Default.aspx

Apple will land far from the Tree


After four years of dedicated service to the Axemen, the last season that saw him be an integral part of the undefeated run to the National Championship and his selection onto the USA National team that defeated Jamaica, Apple Pope is leaving Jacksonville to play Rugby League in the country where the sport is as big as the NFL. He will leave this Sunday and fly halfway around the world for the chance to become the first Axemen player from the USA to play the sport at a professional level when he trials at the Tweed Heads Seagulls in the Gold Coast region of Australia. (www.tweedheadsseagulls.com.au)

Both Apple and Axemen founder, Spinner Howland, will arrive in the North Queensland town of Cairns and after 2 days of acclimating (and a visit to the great barrier reef) they will begin the 1100 mile drive South that will not only allow Apple a chance to see some sights but also make a few visits to various clubs along the way. The first stop will be at the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville that will allow him to see the facilities used by a professional team in the National Rugby League (NRL). Glen Murphy who played for the Cowboys at the elite level and is now the Athletic Performance Manager at the club, played Junior Rugby League with Spinner Howland and has offered to host Apple for a tour at Dairy Farmers Stadium. "I think it is important to have Apple see the professional facilities within the sport as soon as possible after arriving", Spinner said, "It will solidify the seriousness of the effort that he is going to have to put into making a real go of this opportunity."
Apple has continued his training since the Nov 14 USA vs. Jamaica game and hopes that the long preparation time will pay off once he arrives in Australia.

They will then travel to the City of Mackay to see the Mackay Cutters take on the Redcliffe Dolphins in a pre-season trial game for the Queensland Cup that is the same competition the Seagulls play in. They will also be met by former Newcastle Knights (NRL) player Dane Campbell in Mackay as he is visiting family in the area that weekend. Dane is now the coach for the Noosa Pirates who are currently hosting Zach Shaul from the Bradenton Bulldogs in Florida. Dane spent the last year playing in the Queensland Cup and will be a great resource for Apple to talk to about preparation.

They then travel the final leg and arrive on the Gold Coast in Southern Queensland where they will meet up with Rugby League legend, Kevin Campion. Campion and Spinner Howland (along with Murphy) all attended high school together and played all their Junior Rugby League in the small town of Sarina in North Queensland and all retain a passion for the sport. "Campo is a legend in the game back home" said Spinner, "He played at the highest level for a number of clubs and won Grand Finals (Superbowls) at the highest level and to be able to have some assistance from him is invaluable for Apple as he undertakes this task."

Although playing Rugby League will be the priority during his time in Australia, there are also other items that the Axemen have asked him to return to the USA with that include the first level certificates in coaching and refereeing.

The Axemen have been working on the necessary work permit since October of 2009 that would allow Apple this opportunity and they are excited that he is finally getting a real chance to improve his ability both as a player and also experience life in another country. It is important to note that they have also taken into consideration his life after Rugby League here in the USA and are helping him with his chosen career in the nursing field. Apple graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in nursing and will have the opportunity to continue that career in Australia as well. "It is important to understand that even those athletes who get a chance to play the game for money are not going to be able to play forever and there should always be a focus on a career after the playing days are over," Spinner said. "Apple has a really great chance to make money playing in Australia, but living there also creates an amazing opportunity for him to gain international experience in the career that will see him through life after this sport. Of course we want the focus to be on playing but realistically he will need to supplement his income with at least part time work and we really hope that is able to be in the nursing field. The bottom line is that he could come back to from Australia as one of the best players in the USA and also be able to add a great experience to his nursing resume. It's kind of a win, win situation."

Spinner will be updating the progress as the two make this trip and will send out updates on Twitter and Facebook (see main page to join the Axemen groups). He will also update this site as time permits.

More details will also come about the Tweed Heads Seagulls Club as Apple settles in and all Axemen fans will have a chance to support him while in Australia.

A great story and we wish him all the best. Is he playing in the trial on the 27th of Feb? We will be heading to that game and would love to see Apple ply his trade in the biggest League country in the world! Hope to finally meet you guys on the gold coast....