USA inspired by meeting with Everton FC

Ahead of the most important game in the USA Tomahawks’ history, coach Terry Matterson has been inspired by a meeting with Everton football manager Roberto Martinez.

The Tomahawks face Rugby League World Cup favourites Australia on Saturday in a quarter final clash in Wrexham, Wales.

Searching for an edge, Matterson and three of his players, Newcastle Knights-bound Clint Newton, New South Wales country star Matt Shipway and St Louis University’s Gabriel Farley, were treated to an all access viewing of the Premier League club’s Finch Farm.

Martinez fascinated the Tomahawks as they picked his brain for more than an hour about coaching and man-management strategy.

“Roberto is a really nice bloke and was willing to share ideas. We were originally meant to spend ten minutes but ended up spending an hour with him in his office,” Matterson said.

“There were many insights he offered that could be used in rugby league.

“How he worked his resources, a huge budget and staff list was interesting.

“He was very forward in any questions we asked and is a very impressive man.

“It was just great to speak to a guy working with enormous resources that is so down to earth and interested in what we are doing too.”

Matterson gave Martinez a signed USA Tomahawks jersey while the ex-Wigan manager handed Matterson a personalised Everton jersey.

The meeting of minds came about through Matterson’s friendship with Everton CEO Robert Elstone who was on the board of his old Super League club Castleford.