COUGARS star Ross Peltier scored two tries and was the stand-out player for Jamaica in the opening match of their Firehouse Subs World Cup Qualifier in Jacksonville, Florida.

But his efforts could not bring the Reggae Warriors victory as the United States, coached for the first time by Leeds Rhinos boss Brian McDermott, won a feisty Americas Group encounter 20-14.

Tries by Mark Offerdahl and Taylor Howden gave the hosts a 10-0 lead but Jamaica dominated the rest of the half, prop Peltier sniping over on the half-hour mark, former Bulls player Joel Farrell converting to narrow the gap to four points.

Soon after, American debutant Sam Carson was sin-binned, with Omari Caro of the Bulls following him to the sidelines after being shown a yellow card for an off-the-ball incident.

Powerful centre Danny Howard crossed for the Hawks early in the second half but Jamaica hit back when Farrell scorched over from 70 metres.

United States full back Corey Makelin went over in the 49th minute but from then it was a rearguard action, the ever-industrious Peltier claiming his second score two minutes from time.

Jamaica face Canada on Tuesday in their next qualifier in DeLand, Florida.