Blackhawks centre’s selection for Canada a stepping stone Drew’s Cup chance
TOWNSVILLE Blackhawks centre Jordan Drew is preparing to tackle a new rugby league frontier after being selected to play for Canada in the 2018 American Championship.
The Wolverines will take on Jamaica at the University of North Florida, Jacksonville on November 13 with the winner to then face either hosts USA or Chile in the final on November 17.
The American Championship will also act as qualifiers for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup and Drew, whose mother was born in Canada, said he was excited to help grow the international game.
“I don’t think Canada’s ever been in the World Cup so I’ve just been waiting for the opportunity to play in these competitions,” the 23- yearold said.
“It’s a massive thing playing in a World Cup. America are obviously our main competition because they’ve already been there.
“I think 80 per cent of the team are boys from Canada so I’ll meet them for the first time and then we’ll have a week to train and jell and see how we go.”
Rugby league has a foothold in Canada thanks to the success of the Toronto Wolfpack in England’s sec- ond- tier competition. But the upcoming World Cup qualifiers will be the first time the Wolverines have been able to draw on Australianbased players, with Drew set to be joined by Sunshine Coast Falcons half Rhys Jacks.
“I’m no regular NRL player or anything, but this is the first time they’ve had blokes just with some first- grade experience,” Drew said.
“Even with Rhys going over, he plays Cup regularly, and they’ve said it’s the best squad they’ve ever put in so we’re in with a good chance.”
Drew is coming off a frustrating Queensland Cup season that saw him restricted to just six games for the Blackhawks after a run of concussions. He’ll miss the start of preseason training with his international commitments, but Drew hoped pulling on the Canadian jersey would help lay the platform for a much- improved 2019.
“I’m just happy to be playing again,” he said.