No matter where they find themselves in the world, diaspora Greeks manage to contribute and excel in nearly every field of human endeavour: the arts, science, politics, industry, entertainment, sports and so forth. Despite their small numbers, they are generally over-represented in most fields.
So it’s no surprise to find a strong Greek influence in rugby league, a quintessentially Australian sport.
From administrators to players, there are many notable figures in the sport, starting with ARLC chairman Peter V’landys, Roosters boss Nick Politis, Rabbitohs chairman Nick Pappas, Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis, Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos and former NSWRL chairman George Peponis.
“My coach is Greek, my manager is Greek, the chairman of the club is Greek and one of my best mates is Greek”, says Lachlan Ilias, writes NRL Senior Reporter Brad Walter.
According to Walter, that ‘s how Lachlan Ilias summed up the Greek influence at Souths, ahead of the NRL’s Multicultural Round where each player brought a dish representative of their culture, which happened to coincide with Greek Independence Day.
“Ilias, who is set to play halfback for Greece at the end-of-season World Cup in England, is one of just three current Greek NRL players, including close mate and Souths team-mate and close friend, Peter Mamouzelos.
‘Souths coach Jason Demetriou is of Greek heritage, Ilias’s manager Braith Anasta, a Rabbitohs junior, who is the nephew of former captain, coach, chairman and the man widely regarded as one of the saviours of the club, George Piggins.’ writes Walter.
“I am at a club that has a big supporter base so no matter who you are the fans at Souths appreciate you,” Ilias said. “There are not many Greek players out there, but we have got a few here at Souths. Hopefully we can get a good side for the World Cup and do our country proud.” says Jason Demetriou.
The rookie playmaker, who has been earmarked as the long term replacement for departed halfback Adam Reynolds, has Greek heritage through his father Arthur, whose parents immigrated to Australia at a young age.
“My grandfather was from Evia, which is an island east of the mainland, and my grandmother is from the south,” Ilias said. “They came over separately and they met here, but they pretty much left their families and everything in Greece.”
Walter added that Ilias’s parents initially steered him towards soccer before his interest in league took over.
“I just got into rugby league by chance,” Demetriou said. “I went down to the local park and they were playing rugby league so I asked if I could play. My dad played as a young fellow, although he was coaching soccer at the time. I think most Greek parents would rather their kids play soccer.”
[NRL.com]
