The Brooklyn Kings, the only NYC-based club in the inaugural North American Rugby League (NARL) kicking off in June, North America’s first professional rugby league competition, are pleased to announce the signings of Kevin Reed Jr., Connor Donehue and Tim Stubbs, USA representatives and members of the Kings 2019 Championship-winning roster.

After trialing with the San Francisco 49ers, Reed Jr. appeared on the Australian television show The NRL Rookie in 2016. He then represented Tweed Heads in the Queensland Cup and appeared for the USA in the Americas Nines and World Cup Qualifiers. Donehue moved from California to Victoria as a child, coming through the Melbourne Storm system and eventually playing for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Cup. Most recently, he represented the USA in the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s. Stubbs has caps for York in the UK’s RFL League 1, while also representing the USA in recent World Cup Qualifiers. All three players are excited and eager to get to Brooklyn.

“With so many athletes with amazing talent and ability, I’m beyond excited about the possibilities for the NARL and the Kings,” said Donehue. “Personally, I aim to play a key role both on and off the field to see the competition grow into something the most elite players in the world want to be part of. That’s what we strive for.”

“It’s important for us to retain as many of the Championship-winning squad as possible going into the new NARL competition,” Brooklyn Kings’ Head Coach Matt Isherwood said. “For us to secure Kevin, Connor and Tim is really pleasing. They’ve all represented the USA and will play important roles this season. Rival teams tried to lure them with lucrative offers, but to have them be loyal to the Kings speaks volumes of the club and what we’re building in Brooklyn.”