Greece Finally Joins Rugby League World Cup

Greece Squad Rugby League World Cup

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.

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Announcement made at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney Australia.

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.

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Silent and Live Auctions throughout the evening took place

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.

Announcement of the Greek Australian players

Acropolis Now actor, George Kapiniaris, even took to the stage for a small comedy skit before the night closed out with some raffles.

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Kythera is featured on the World Cup jersey as it's the island Nick Politis, the primary sponsor of the team, was born.

Greece Squad for the Ruby League World Cup 2021 in England.

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Greece Squad
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Silent auction Giannis Antetokounmpo signed green Milwaukee Bucks singlet

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.

Nick Bourdaniotis

Director of Photography

Born in Nambour, Queensland, Nick Bourdaniotis grew up in Brisbane till 2001 and then moved to Sydney. Nick's passion for photography began from a young age and his unique and artistic approach to capturing a moment in time ensures his images are always a standout. In his late 30s, his peers pushed him into being a professional photographer as he was taking amazing holiday photos from around the world and here in Sydney. In his mid-40s, Nick's photos were recognized internationally in the Greek community and used in international and local Australian-based publications. Photographing for St Spyridon College is when Nick took his first iconic global photo, the college's year 12 prefect students walking onto the opera house forecourt for the 25th March celebrations in 2015. For the next three consecutive years, Nick photographed iconic photos of the 25th March in Sydney that went viral worldwide. Mid 2016, Greek City Times employed Nick as a photographer. Over the next year, he earnt the title of Greek City Times' Director of Photography and Videography, which he still carries today. Greek City Times is a global media publication outlet. Nick also worked as the photographer for "My Greek Odyssey" TV travel show in Greece, which airs to over 50 million people worldwide. Nick was the lead photographer for the state funeral of the late Archbishop of Australia Stylianos and captured the funeral service and burial for archival and media purposes worldwide. Nick has been photographing significant events for The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia since 2015. In Sydney and Greece, Nick also captures moving moments in time for The Hellenic Incentive (THI), which in 2020 in Greece will work with the associated partners to document the homeless and various charity organizes THI partner within the incentive program. In 2019 Nick was asked to photograph an Australian fashion designer, Thessi Kouzoukas, from Sabba Shirts, which were amazing with Greece as its backdrop. Nick has been asked to photograph famous people, singers or entertainers because of his unique photography. In early 2020 Nick was a fully accredited photographer for the Australian Open tennis, in which he photographed the games of the Greek players and of heritage for publication in Greek City Times. Also, in 2022 Nick was George Kambosos Jr's official photographer at the lightweight world title fight in Melbourne, Australia. Nick's photos of The Greek Presidential Guard (Evzones) have been referred to as the best seen, and these photos have been published in books documenting the history of the Evzones. The most recent publication was the 150 years book of the Evzones released by the Presidential Guard Greece. Nick's versatility and professionalism have earned him an excellent reputation and a loyal high-profile clientele worldwide. Nick is not one to enter competitions or exhibitions as he leaves it up to his critics to judge his artistic unique way of photography. He has always said in his early 50's he will start to exhibit his work across Australia and aboard, as he has a few major exhibitions in the making. In 2021 Nick launched his photographic exhibition around Australia titled "The Evzones Collection" This photo exhibition endorsed by the Greek Presidential Guard and the Hellenic General Staff of National Defence has over 28 beautifully selected photos capturing and portraying the Evzones in a truly remarkable light. In 2023 The Evzones Collection photo exhibition will be exhibited in Athens and then around Greece. Nick's art uniquely evokes Hellenic pride with his images that are published all over the world.