Paulo left out of US World Cup squad

Sep 24, 2017 - 11:31 AM Cronulla utility Joseph Paulo has been left out of the United States squad for the rugby league World Cup with the focus on picking American-based players.

US coach Brian McDermott has become the first man to show his hand for this year's tournament by announcing his 23-man squad.

The Americans opted to shun eligible NRL and Super League players in preference for more local players.

McDermott, who is taking charge of the Hawks on a part-time basis, has included 12 players from the USARL's domestic club competition.

Also named were former South Sydney forward Eddy Pettybourne, ex-Parramatta winger Bureta Faraimo and London Broncos forward Mark Offerdahl, who captained the team during their qualifying campaign.

Paulo captained the US during the 2013 World Cup.

"Having a large group of actual American players is a massive thing for USA rugby league," said McDermott.

"It shows how much the game is developing and that will only help attract sponsors, fans and more people who will want to play.

"The American people want to see Americans playing. We expect to show that we are more than competitive against the world's best rugby league countries."

McDermott will take up his duties in Townsville on October 21, a week before their opening game against Fiji.

The Hawks also play Italy and Papua New Guinea in their group.

US squad:

J Taylor Alley (Central Florida Warriors), R Burroughs, J Eichner (both Toronto Wolfpack), C Cortalano, M Walsh, K Freed (White Plains Wombats), B Faraimo (NZ Warriors), G Farley, A Kneisly (Philadelphia Fight), D Howard (Wentworthville Magpies), C Makelim, S Howard (Mounties), M Johnston (Delaware Black Foxes), N Newlin, F Malu (Atlanta Rhinos), D Marando (Belrose Eagles), M Offerdahl (London Broncos), E Pettybourne, S Tochtermann-Talbot (Tweed Heads Seagulls), J Rice (New York Knights), M Shipway (South Newcastle), D Ulch (Tampa Mayhem), T Junior Vaivai (Illawarra Wests Devils).

Source: AAP