Seawolves 4-0 to begin season for first time in franchise history after grinding victory over SaberCats
By Charles Hamaker
Tukwila, WA – With another solid effort that saw them pull away after the halftime mark, the Seattle Seawolves moved to a 4-0 record for the first time in franchise history. The Seawolves were the ones to come out of Saturday’s battle of the undefeated teams victorious, which was a rematch of 2022’s MLR Western Conference final that saw Seattle move on to the league’s title match. Holding just a one-point lead at halftime, the Seawolves formula for taking the points that they can get remained true as AJ Alatimu continued an impressive outing, and Seattle secured their fourth straight victory to begin the 2023 campaign.
Seattle’s Dan Kriel carries the ball (Photo by Liz Wolter)
Alatimu alerts Houston of his presence with big night
Flyhalf A.J. Alatimu, the league's leader in points last season as he led the way for Seattle, had his marks all over this win against Houston. Although Jordan Chait, at the same position, took the league by storm through the first two weeks and became MLR’s leading scorer. It was an interesting sight because Alatimu was still on the roster and was last year's leading scorer, but we saw a return of Alatimu’s kicking duties these past two weeks. Alatimu played a big part in Seattle’s impressive week four victory, as he converted four penalty goal kicks and two point-after and tallied 14 total points. It’s safe to say that whoever starts in the flyhalf position for Seattle will keep the Seawolves in a position to win against anybody that they battle, whether it’s Alatimu or Chait. This year's top draft pick Shane Barry will have plenty of knowledge to soak up from those two as he develops.
Seawolves flyhalf AJ Alatimu tallied 14 points in Seattle’s win (Photos by Liz Wolter)
Seawolves showing their saavy
Through four weeks, it’s hard to poke holes in the ways that the Seawolves have been winning games. Seattle has been taking the points that they can get when they force their opponents into a penalty, and their veteran performers have been showcasing what we’ve seen from them before. With players like Hattingh, Alatimu, JP Smith, and Nakai Penny amongst others contributing to victories, Seattle’s core of winning pedigree looks primed to help the team return to the promised land.
New members such as Charles Elton and Jordan Chait have been able to make an immediate impact as well, with Elton leading Major League Rugby in tackles made and Chait at the top of the league in points scored. I said to be cautious in the first few weeks simply because early success doesn’t translate to relevancy at the end of the season, and this start may not, but this winning recipe that the Seawolves are using certainly looks sustainable. Veterans with winning pedigree, and fresh members looking to make their mark, looks like the formula for a third MLR title, at least so far.
Seawolves captain Riekert Hattingh continues to help his team win games, scoring a try in this win (Photos by Liz Wolter)
What’s next?
Seattle will take the week off following this victory against the SaberCats, taking 15 days off from games. The Seawolves' next matchup will come on March 26th, when they travel to Chicago for their first ever battle against the Hounds. Kickoff for Seattle’s battle against the newest expansion team (that’s currently playing, Miami is next up next season) comes at 1PM PST. Chicago has started the season out winless through their first three contests and will play the struggling Dallas Jackals before they lock heads with the Seawolves.
Seattle’s mascot, Rucky the Seawolf (Photos by Liz Wolter)