Zac Shaul
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20-year old Zac Shaul of Bradenton is the first American-born player to join the Noosa Pirates RLC in Queensland.
The former high school linebacker started playing league just two years ago.
“Ultimately I want to use this opportunity that has been presented to me to better myself and to represent my homeland as best I can,” Shaul is quoted as saying on the Pirates’ website.
“I understand that I will have to work extremely hard to achieve the goals I have set myself, but I am confident in my ability and very much looking forward to proving to people that American athletes can become great rugby league players.”
Pirates coach Dane Campbell thinks Shaul has the ability to succeed and become a crowd favorite in 2010.
“Zac is a tremendous young man who has come highly regarded by good contacts of mine in the USA,” said Campbell.
“I am confident that he will be a great ambassador for US Rugby League and given his wonderful attitude towards training, I believe he will be a success on the field also.”
The Noosa Pirates compete in the Sunshine Coast Rugby League north of Brisbane. The club, which won the local premiership for three straight years from 2006-2008, finished out of the running in 2009.
Check out their website at www.noosapirates.leaguenet.com.au/