RUGBY: Super League preview -- Western Conference

This weekend sees the start of the 2001 Super League season and this year the RSL has the added impetus of being officially recognized by USA Rugby.

In an attempt to encourage running rugby the Super League’s points system is based on that of the Super 12 and has proved to be a glowing success in previous seasons. All teams are fired up and ready to go so here’s a look at the Western Conference.

The West looks to be very tight with perennial powerhouse the Gentlemen of Aspen benefiting from the addition of two key Denver Barbarians who felt the need to move to trendier climes at a higher altitude. Juan Grobler (Eagle) and Bobby Lockrem (wing) both made the move, for different reasons, to link up with the likes of veteran Mark Williams (flyhalf) and company.

Denver, on the other hand, suffered a mini player drain in the off-season with two other top players, Andre Blom (Eagle) and Link Wilfley (flyhalf) leaving the club, although Wilfley’s absence should be only temporary. The Barbos are likely to do it tough this year and coach Mark Bullock has his work cut out for him.

Old Puget Sound Beach in Seattle had its best ever season in 2000 finishing fourth in the West and again could threaten the front-runners. OPSB is coached by Scott Shepherd and will be led by former Fijian 7s player Luke Erevanula. Other players to keep an eye on include Tevita Veetutu (prop), Kurt Pritchard (prop), Se Lautogia (lock), Kelly McCallum (lock) and Soni Maisema (flanker).

Amalgamations in the Bay Area during the off-season saw the creation of San Francisco Golden Gate and the Oakland-based Griffins and both clubs are expected to liven up the conference.

New Zealander Mark McCloy is back at the helm of the Dallas Harlequins after coaching the club in Super League’s early days. Dallas boasts a number of talented players including David Care (Eagle), Matt Alexander (flyhalf) and Captain Brett Pedersen (Eagle 7s). Another man to watch is Texas A&M flanker Matt McNeely. The Quins will field a strong forward pack with an improved backline and are expected to be serious contenders.

Southern California rivals Belmont Shore and OMBAC round out the Western Conference. Belmont has bolstered its roster with New Zealand NPC players Lee Peina and PJ Winchester, as well as Canadian Sevens wing Trevor Harrison. Former Division I basketballer, Greg Alley, will likely skipper the side this year. The club also has in its ranks several past and present All-Americans and while it’s still going through a re-building phase, it expects to be far more competitive this year.

OMBAC meanwhile has been dominating all opposition in the Southern California league. Bing Dawson is back as head coach of the San Diego club and picks up from where New Zealander Joe Leota left off last year. The team is choc full of game breakers such as Conrad Hodgson (C), Eagle 7s pair David DiSorbo and Malakai Delai, and Kiwi speedster Blair Cashmore (center). This is a team determined to claim its first ever Super League crown.