[[{“value”:”
WRITTEN BY JOE HARVEY | PHOTOS BY JUSTIN DICKINSON
Ronan Foley and the Dallas Jackals hope to make a statement against the Seattle Seawolves this weekend.
After a narrow 30-27 loss against Western Conference leaders the Houston SaberCats last weekend, Agustín Cavalieri‘s team hopes that a trip to the Pacific Northwest can yield a third win of the 2024 Major League Rugby season.
Having tasted victory against Anthem Rugby Carolina and RFC Los Angeles, the Texas side regretted missed opportunities late on to beat the league’s only unbeaten club.
Heading home disappointed a week ago, the prospect of playing Seattle away from home offers new opportunities live on FS2.
There is added anticipation for Foley as the back-row forward returns to the team he spent the 2023 season with.
“We really wanted to make a statement last weekend and take Houston’s win streak away from them,” Foley said.
“I guess we did make a statement, but to not get the win hurt.
“I have been reminded a few times already that Dallas went to Seattle last year, and Seattle beat them 61-19.
“I guess we are also trying to right that wrong and send the message to the league that we are here to compete, to make it tough on them, and that we are not the same Dallas as in previous years.
“For me, it will be nice to be back in Seattle and play at Starfire again.
“It is always good fun to play there, and I look forward to returning to Seattle.”
A KEY COG IN THE JACKAL’S MACHINE
Already Foley has found himself as one of Dallas’ key performers this season.
After spending part of his offseason in England representing Blackheath FC in National League 1, the 25-year-old has started all five of the Jackals’ games this season.
Starting again on the road this Friday night, Foley has put out a series of professional performances and has been unphased by the task at hand.
Already six points shy from last year’s total and fourth in the Western Conference, Foley believes the team’s culture is sending them to new heights.
“Coming in here and between the group of lads they have and the management side, it has been the easiest for me to settle in and find my groove straight away,” Foley said.
“I can equate what we have here to what we have at home in Ireland with a Leinster.
“You have no off-field growing pains impacting lads, and I think the culture here is immense.
“We have a lot of different nationalities. We have probably 15 lads who speak Spanish as their first language, but it doesn’t impact us at all.
“They try their best to speak English and we try our best to throw a few words of Spanish around. Everyone is here to play for one another.
“I know it is textbook, but the culture is really what’s driving things here. For me, that is the hardest thing to do.
“To get the right group of lads, the right culture, install the way we want to play, and go from there.
“I know everyone on this team would die for each other on the pitch.”
JUST GETTING STARTED IN 2024
Foley is also certain that more will come from Dallas as the season goes on.
Losing two games this season by a converted try or less, the Jackals appear to be close to hitting their stride.
With just the Utah Warriors to come in Week Seven before getting a chance to reflect on the start of their season, Dallas has already been pleased with their growth from week to week.
Having been so close to beating the pacesetters a week ago, Dallas is fully focused on the Friday night lights in Seattle.
“To go to LA and win with a last-minute drop goal, 32- 29, is a great start,” Foley said.
The @dallasjackals get their first win of the season with a come back from down two scores at half time!
Second half highlights here!
@therugbynetwork | #LAvDAL | #MLR2024 pic.twitter.com/eqqOQ4ljFv
— Major League Rugby (@usmlr) March 4, 2024
“A little up and down since then, but I think at the weekend against Houston that was a good image of what we are trying to do.
“We have got to fix up a few things defensively, but that’s the most confidence we have got from a performance so far.
“So, we are in pretty good stead going into Friday night.”
The post Here To Compete – Dallas’ Ronan Foley Ahead Of Jackals Meeting With Seattle appeared first on Major League Rugby.
“}]]