Canowindra-raised halfback Damien O’Malveney was named player of the tournament after starring in the United States’46-12 win over Canada at Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville, at the end of a week which has seen the referee involved in a car accident and Jamaican players witness a shooting incident.
“I came over five years ago – I still had my job back home,” O’Malveney, who plays for New Haven in the AMNRL, told sportsnewsfirst.com.au.
“But the opportunity here was too good. I loved it. I’ve been here ever since. The camp’s been awesome – and now they’re starting to celebrate.
“You’ve got to grab every opportunity you can. I’ll remember this forever.”
The Americans were never headed in what was effectively the final, leading 24-0 at halftime in front of around 2000 fans.
Fullback Kenny Britt and winger Nate Smith each posted try braces and coach David Niu announced afterwards that the US would recruit former NRL players for next year’s World Cup qualifiers.
“Clint Newton’s available for us,” Niu said.
“Ryan McGoldrick, Charlie Leano, Mark Cantoni who plays up in the Queensland Cup.
"We’ve got some good ones to get in there and help us out.”
UNITED STATES 46 (Damien O’Malveney 3, Nate Smith 2, Kenny Britt 2, Sione Taufa, Michael Cartwright tries; Nate Smith 5 goals) beat CANADA 12 (Robin Legault, Geoff Byland tries; Adam Moody 2 goals) at Hodges Stadium, Jacksonville. Referee: Phil Bentham (England). Crowd: about 2000.