PERU pair Jye Sommers and Luis Fhon will today continue a remarkable legacy for Latin American Rugby League, when they spearhead the Incas against Brasil at Hillier Oval, Liverpool in western Sydney.
Sommers and Fhon were original members of the first GYG Latin Heat team which played the Philippines in January 2014 – marking the inaugural appearance by the composite Latin American side in 13-a-side games.
Sommers is now approaching 40, while Fhon will turn 33 later this year.
Between them they have been central on-field and off-field figures in some of the most important moments in the evolution of the sport for Latin American audiences.
Until they met each other, both thought they were the only people of Peruvian heritage playing the game.
They will be joined in their latest challenge by a somewhat new-look line-up for the Peruvians, with powerhouse forward Sean Day missing the contest due to a blood clot and another mainstay, Aaron Perez, named in jersey 18.
Workaholic bookend Juan Carlos Carrion is also out of the match.
Three members of the Ibarburu family will play together under the Peruvian flag for the first time, with Nilo Ibarburu joining previous representatives Cristian and Jayden.
Other bloodlines on display for the Peruvians will include brothers Jacob and Isaiah Parker, and Paul and George Altamirano.
Hard-to-handle Frank Altamirano has not been named to play due to injury.
The Peruvian side is coached by Tuki Jackson and managed by Jaime Perez.
Both teams as per below, with Latin America also playing Malta in Under 16s (2pm) and Under 19s (3.30pm).
Livestreaming to be conducted by Bar TV Sports on Brasil’s Facebook page, Peru’s Facebook page, and the Latin Heat Rugby League Facebook page, as well as the Bar TV YouTube channel.
PERU RUGBY LEAGUE
Versus Brasil Rugby League
Hillier Oval, Liverpool, western Sydney
Saturday, February 22, 5pm
- Josh Marrufo-Davidson
- Jayden Ibarburu
- Isaiah Parker
- Corey Daniela
- Paul Altamirano
- George Altamirano
- Jacob Parker
- Roy Razuri
- Jye Sommers (c)
- Andy Pachas
- Luis Fhon
- Cristian Ibarburu
- Martin Portillo
- Jose Urrutia
- Kenneth Hopkins
- Nilo Ibarburu
- Matthew Zarate
- Aaron Perez
BRASIL RUGBY LEAGUE
- Steven Braga
- Rubens Gomes
- Juan Casanova Campina
- Donovan Barreira
- Ravi Araujo
- Lucas Vinas Vieira
- Dylan Nunes
- Mark Jackson
- Rodrigo Rezende
- Connor Howison
- Hector Hilberto
- Simon De Araujo
- Matt Gardner
- Lachlan Clifton
- Leonardo de Freitas dos Santos
- Heitor Hilberto
- Ricardo Levy
February 22
Hillier Oval, Liverpool, NSW
2pm Latin America v Malta (Under 16)
3.30pm Latin America v Malta (Under 19)
4.45pm Latin American cultural performances
5pm Brasil v Peru (Men)
Brasil Rugby League is supported by Samba Times Digital Media, Tagarela Intercambios, KCTT Engineering and LoxtonBerg.com.
Latin American Rugby League is supported by Guzman y Gomez Mexican Taquerias, SHIELD Security and Dr Pickles Tattoo Aftercare.
Peru Rugby League is supported by SHIELD Security, Rugby League: Around The Grounds, ATIC Tax Agents, Beastwear and Fresco Marketplace.