The LA Roosters will be proudly represented on the international stage after seven players were named in the USA Hawks national squads to take on the Scotland National Rugby League Team in Las Vegas next month.
It marks a significant milestone for the club, which had just one player selected in the USA Hawks program last year. In 2026, that number has grown to seven–a testament to the rapid development of the Roosters’ playing group and pathways.
Six Roosters Named in Main Squad
Six of the selected Roosters were together this week as they prepare to enter national camp:
- Maiah Alofaituli
- Sydney-Rae Pua
- Shingy Hilanguyo
- Esteban Tupuola
- Afi Tone
- Terree Okabe
Each player has earned their opportunity through consistent commitment to their club and their contribution to the growth of rugby league in the USA.
LA Roosters President Josh Brandon said: “Seeing seven Roosters earn national selection after having just one last year is something our whole club can be proud of. It shows how quickly our program is growing and how hard our players are working to reach the international level.”
Head Coach Emiliano Nash praised the group’s work ethic and progression: “It is a proud moment for the LA Roosters, with three men and four women selected to represent the USA Hawks against Scotland in Las Vegas. It has been impressive to witness their hard work and commitment throughout their preparation for this match and I’m excited to see how each player performs on the international stage.”
Masoe Returns to the International Stage
The seventh Rooster selected is Sione Masoe, who made history last year as the club’s lone representative in the Hawks squad. His return to the national setup highlights both his consistency and the strides the Roosters program has made in the past 12 months.
Masoe has been a leader within the squad and continues to set standards both on and off the field.
Recognition And Support From the Sydney Roosters
The club’s growth continues to be supported by its partnership with the Sydney Roosters, whose guidance has helped establish elite standards within the LA program.
As part of this partnership, NRLW Head Coach John Strange and Roosters legend Luke Keary, who has joined the Sydney Roosters coaching staff in 2026, will travel to Las Vegas in late February to coach the LA Roosters women’s and men’s 9s teams respectively.
Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said the selections were a strong endorsement of the LA program.
“It is fantastic news to see seven LA Roosters players make the USA Hawks national teams. Having six debutantes capped for the international matches against Scotland is a testament to the great work our coaches and players have put in over the past year.
“Our vision in establishing the LA Roosters is to promote and develop rugby league pathways in the US and ultimately provide opportunities for talented athletes to progress through to the Sydney Roosters. This is a significant step forward for our Club in Los Angeles.”
A Milestone for the Club
Progressing from one representative to seven in a single year is a landmark achievement for the LA Roosters and a clear sign the club’s development model is working under the tutelage of Head Coach Emiliano Nash.
With the USA Hawks set to face Scotland in a historic international fixture in Las Vegas, Roosters fans will have plenty of reasons to tune in and cheer on their own.
The LA Roosters will also have a strong presence at the Las Vegas 9s tournament, with both men’s and women’s teams competing on February 26–27 in the lead-up to the international fixture.
The Roosters men’s side reached the quarterfinals in 2025 and will be aiming to progress even further this year, while the Roosters women’s team return as defending champions after claiming the title last season.
The USA Hawks Test matches against the Scotland National Rugby League Team will take place on February 27 in Las Vegas, ahead of the 2026 NRL season kicking off at Allegiant Stadium on February 28 (March 1 AEDT).
With seven players pulling on the national jersey and two Roosters sides competing in the 9s tournament, fans will have plenty of reasons to tune in and cheer on the red, white and blue.
