Son of Bears legend Greg Florimo laces up for US Nines
He’s the fiery-haired footballer and son of a rugby league legend who will step up on to the international stage when he represents the United States in the World Nines.
NRL
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HE is the son of an NRL legend who has become an unofficial rugby league dual international.
Jay Florimo, son of former Norths, NSW and Australian champion Greg, will represent the United States in the World Nines at Bankwest Stadium this Friday and Saturday.
Florimo, who plays for The Entrance on the NSW Central Coast, has already enjoyed international honours having represented Italy in the rugby league world youth under 15s in Russia during 2007.
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Jay is eligible for American selection through Greg’s wife, Stephanie, whose father was US-born. Stephanie was born on a US Army base in Germany.
Greg Florimo and US coach Sean Rutgerson played together at Norths during the late 1990s. Jay, 29, previously played NYC for Wests Tigers.
“It was unexpected,” said Jay, who has his dad’s characteristic red hair. “I have played plenty of reserve grade with the Bears and Wyong so it’s good to get on the big stage again.
“Growing up (with a famous Dad) can hamper you at times but it can also open plenty of doors in other countries.”
A proud Greg said: “We’re really excited. We’ll be getting along there in our Stars and Stripes and enjoy the atmosphere.
“Jay didn’t quite crack NRL but had good success in under 20s. He has enjoyed a really good four years on the coast, winning three premierships.”
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PLAYERS TO WATCH
PNG KUMULS
Rhyse Martin: The former Bulldog sharpshooter will play his first game in Australia since June after he was released from Canterbury tojoin Leeds in England.
That in itself is enough to ensure there will be plenty of eyes on the skilful edge backrower.
Bernard Lewis: Stuck behind the likes of Brett Morris and Daniel Tupou, Lewis is being made to wait for his crack at the NRL.
But the 21-year-oldhas pedigree in this format and helped the Roosters win the 2017 Auckland Nines trophy with a matchwinning try.
Justin Olam: The inclusion of the centre as a Storm regular this year has Olam rivalling the popularity of former Melbourne flyer Marcus Bai back home in PNG. The tackle-busting Olam can, and probably will, inflict plenty of pain on the Hawks.
USA HAWKS
Connor Donehue: The Sunshine Coast Falcons utility playmaker is the son of John Donehue, who has helped Melbourne Storm master the art ofthe wrestle. A ruptured achilles stifled his NRL ambitions but Donehue is eager to prove he can mix it with the best.
Ronaldo Mulitalo: The exciting Cronulla rookie winger qualifies for team USA through his American Samoan heritage. In his eight NRL games thisyear, the teenage flyer made a name for himself as a hard-running back who can find the line, scoring five tries.
Eddy Pettybourne: One of the most experienced campaigners and one of only three USA Hawks players with NRL experience. The Hawks will need everybit of that experience from the former Rabbitohs, Tigers and Titans forward this weekend.
— FATIMA KDOUH