The official launch of the New York City Rugby League club took place on Tuesday at the Cunard Building in Liverpool.
CEO Ricky Wilby has confirmed some of the immediate plans for the American club.
This morning, it was announced the Challenge Cup Sixth Round Draw would be taking place in New York and there are talks in place for the new side to enter in 2021.
As well as potentially entering the Challenge Cup, New York City also plan to welcome several NRL clubs to the States for friendly matches.
Their stadium was also confirmed. They will play at the University for now, but if it all goes to plan, then they could play at the Red Bull Arena, home to New York Red Bulls FC.
Speaking after the event, Wilby said: “Its been a really interesting few years. To see it all come fruition and to see the building dressed up the way it is, its great.”
He also spoke about the challenge of competing with several high-profile sports franchises in the city. New York is home to the Giants, the Jets (NFL), Knicks, Nets (NBA), Devils, Islanders, Rangers (NHL), Red Bulls, City (MLS) Mets and Yankees (MLB).
However, he said he has been working with those franchises.
He added: “Those sports franchises have been really welcoming to us, which has been great. We can certainly work alongside them and move forward.
“We want to build on those fanbases and relationships moving forward.”
Finally, he also confirmed they would be working with the Grassroots league in America to help the league grow and to potentially being North American talent through.
