“What a sensational comeback”- Daniel Vidot lands international call up in rugby league return, see his reaction
Former rugby league star Daniel Vidot, who played for several top-tier clubs including the Canberra Raiders, St. George Illawarra Dragons, Brisbane Broncos, Salford Red Devils, and Gold Coast Titans, is set for a surprising return to the sport at the age of 34. Vidot will join the USA team for their December tour of South Africa, marking a significant comeback to rugby league after his detour into professional wrestling. During his career, Vidot was a formidable outside back, scoring 55 tries in 114 NRL games, in addition to 6 tries in 10 English Super League appearances between 2009 and 2011. His international accomplishments also include 6 tries in 10 games for Samoa, further showcasing his skill and scoring ability on the global stage.
In 2017, Vidot shocked fans by retiring from rugby league to pursue a career in professional wrestling, eventually signing with WWE. From 2018 until mid-2024, Vidot competed under WWE’s banner, where he made a name for himself in the wrestling world. Recently, he transitioned to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), further developing his wrestling career. However, despite his success in wrestling, Vidot remained close to rugby league. Earlier this year, he returned to the field with the DC Cavalry in the USA Rugby League (USARL) competition, reconnecting with the sport that originally propelled him to fame.
The upcoming USA tour of South Africa is historic, as it represents the first encounter between the USA and South Africa on South African soil. This tour also aligns with South Africa’s bid to host the 2030 Rugby League World Cup, a move that underscores the growing interest in rugby league within the nation. Vidot stands out as the only player with NRL experience in a USA squad primarily composed of USARL players, bringing a unique blend of expertise and high-level competition to the team.
The USA’s tour schedule includes two matches against South Africa:
December 4, 2024 – Harlequins Rugby Club, 6 pm local time
December 7, 2024 – Grizzlies Rugby Club, 4 pm local time
Here is the complete 2024 USA Hawks squad set to face South Africa in December:
Ryan Bannerot (Jacksonville Axemen)
Tevita Bryce (Brooklyn Kings)
Ryan Burroughs (DC Cavalry)
Ethan Ferrick (DC Cavalry)
Kyle Granby (Brooklyn Kings)
Khalial Harris (Jacksonville Axemen)
Stephon Harris (Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans)
Joe Eichner (Tampa Mayhem)
Anson Jang (Brooklyn Kings)
Derek Lipscomb (Brooklyn Kings)
Peter Lupton (Boston Bears)
Fatai Makavaha (Provo Broncos)
Mason McRory (Jacksonville Axemen)
Wes Piggins (Southwest Florida Copperheads)
Dom Sofe (Brooklyn Kings)
Daniel Vidot (DC Cavalry)
David Washington (Jacksonville Axemen)
Malcolm Webb (Jacksonville Axemen)
Andre Williams (Southwest Florida Copperheads)
Vidot’s return to rugby league is generating excitement among fans, especially given his unique journey from rugby to wrestling and back. As the only NRL veteran in the squad, Vidot’s experience will be invaluable, not only on the field but also in mentoring his teammates. This tour offers him a fresh opportunity to contribute to rugby league’s growth in the United States, as the team looks forward to the challenge of facing South Africa in this historic encounter.
