Greece has become the first nation to name its squad for the Rugby League World Cup. The Greek squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2021 was announced on Wednesday night at The Grand Roxy in the Sydney suburb of Brighton-Le-Sands.
Greece will participate in its first-ever World Cup in Group A after qualifying in November 2019, when they beat Serbia 82-6 in the European qualifiers. Before playing England in Sheffield on October 29th, they will play Samoa on Sunday, October 23, and France on Monday, October 17, both in Doncaster.
The 24-player squad comprises five Australian NRL players, some players from the Australian junior league, Australian NRL players, as well as some players from the Australian junior league and eight domestic players from Greece.
The squad: Jordan Meads (Captain), Lachlan Elias, Stefanos Bastas, Nikolaos Bosmos, Terry Constantinou, Jake Kambos, John Mitsias, Nick Mougios, Robert Tuliatu, Sebastian Sell, Chaise Robinson, Kosta Katsidonis, Mitchell Zampetides, Greg Koutsimporgiorgos, Theodoros Nianiakas, Vasili Tsikrikas, Adam Vrahnos.
They are coached by Steve Georgallis, with the help of assistant coaches Jim Pizanias and Michalis Chatziinoannou.
In memory of his papou, Spyros Ilias, who just passed away, Jordan Meads, the team’s captain, is anticipated to play in the halves alongside Ilias. Greece’s first match will be against France on October 17 at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, UK.
The squad announcement was made in the presence of Australian rugby league legends, such as former Greek-Australian NRL players, Braith Anasta and John Skandalis, among many others. Sydney Rooster Chairman and major sponsor of the Greece squad, Nick Politis, was also present at the event.
Acropolis Now actor, George Kapiniaris, even took to the stage for a small comedy skit before the night closed out with some raffles.
Greece Squad for the Ruby League World Cup 2021 in England.
Money was raised throughout the night via auctions and raffle tickets; one of the hottest ticketed items was a signed singlet from Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo that went for over $2,300.
Photos copyright Nick Bourdaniotis / Bourdo Photography. Image Gallery of the evening.
