Kennedy Girox will join the Jacksonville Axemen for his third season in the USA Rugby League.

Kennedy along with fellow Papuan, Charles Agoma, arrived at the Axemen pre-season camp back in 2014 after both traveled across from Pensacola, where they were attending college in the USA. It was clear from arrival Kennedy would be an instant stand-out. However, with the Axemen already agreeing to their import players for the season, and three new expansion teams in the Southern USA, Kennedy, along with Charles, agreed to spend the season playing for the Central Florida Warriors. Both proved to be a great asset for the Warriors during their inaugural season.

Kennedy enjoying traditional celebrations during his 2016 year living back in PNG

Kennedy had an impressive 2014 season and was named to the “Presidents Barbarians” team, that was selected from the best overseas players in the USA Rugby League, to face the visiting Police Team from New Zealand, as a curtain raiser for the 2014 National Championship.

Kennedy (yellow jersey, third from the left, kneeling row) selected as part of the “Presidents Barbarians” to face New Zealand in 2014

In 2015 Kennedy headed north to play for the Washington DC Slayers, before returning to PNG for 2016.

He is now back in Florida where he attends Pensacola College, and is studying a Bachelor Degree in Management. He will again make the early summer drive across Interstate 10 to Jacksonville, however this time he will join the Axemen under former Canberra Raider and Salford Reds player, and current USA Hawks Coach, Sean Rutgerson, as the Axemen head coach.

It was obvious from the first day Kennedy arrived in 2014 that he could play Rugby League, and was going to be an asset to any team. On top of his playing ability, he is a very mature young man and his calm and professional approach to everything he does is noticeable. It has taken the Axemen three seasons to be in a position to bring him in as a player, and we imagine he will be an incredible asset both on an off the field.

Proving to be more than a handful whilst playing for the Central FL Warriors against the Axemen in 2014

His ability to play in both the pivot positions, and at fullback, will give the Axemen some options in attacking formations for the 2017 season.

Kennedy was born in Tari, Hela Province, Papua New Guinea. And has heritage from Karai/ Guala, Hela Province, Papua New Guinea.

Although only 22 years of age, his playing career matches his international travels to pursue a high level education.

Rep Honors :
PRL 9’s – Port Moresby, PNG
USARL President Barbarian, USA
IPATAS CUP – Port Moresby, PNG

Clubs In PNG :
Hulia Cowboys –  Tari League, Hela Province.
KKC Stones – 9 Mile League, Port Moresby.
K-Lumber Raiders – Koroba League, Hela Province.
PNG Clubs: Eco Care Eng. Pumas, Pom Rugby League.

USA Rugby League Clubs:
Central Florida Warriors, 2014. 
Washington DC Slayers 2015.