Markopoulos Leads Greece in Vegas After Overcoming Injury Setback

Greek rugby league rising star Eddie Markopoulos is set to lead Greece in their upcoming two-match series against the USA in Las Vegas, drawing inspiration from Greek World Cup halfback Lachlan Ilias.

Markopoulos, a Wests Tigers junior, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury but found motivation in a personal message from Ilias, who told him: “The comeback is always bigger than the setback.”

“Lachlan Ilias is someone I look up to. He started at Leichhardt Wanderers, the same club I played for,” Markopoulos said. “When I injured my shoulder, he sent me a video with a get-well message. It meant a lot. I always remember his quote—it was very good advice.”

Now fully recovered, the promising playmaker will take over the key playmaking role from St George Illawarra recruit Ilias when Greece faces the USA on February 26 and 28.

A Breakthrough Opportunity

Markopoulos, who has Greek heritage through three of his grandparents, first represented Greece in last year’s NSWRL Harmony Nines, where he won Player of the Tournament. His performance caught the attention of Greece’s head coach, Steve Georgallis, who has now included him in the 24-man squad traveling to the U.S.

“It means everything to me to represent the Greek team,” Markopoulos said. “Even in the Harmony Nines, putting on the Greek jersey was special. Playing in Vegas in a Test match against the USA is a dream. My parents are coming over, and I’m excited for them to see me play.”

The matches will be part of a festival of rugby league culminating in the March 1 quadruple-header at Allegiant Stadium, featuring:

• A women’s international between Australia and England
• A Super League showdown between Wigan and Warrington
• Two NRL fixtures – Canberra Raiders vs. New Zealand Warriors and Penrith Panthers vs. Cronulla Sharks

The Future of Greek Rugby League

Despite making history by qualifying for the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, Greece is ineligible for the 2026 World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea, as only full IRL member nations can compete.

However, Georgallis remains focused on long-term growth. Plans are underway to introduce an Under-19s competition in Greece, a crucial step toward achieving full IRL membership.

“We’re aiming for the following World Cup in 2030,” Georgallis said. “We’re looking at the next generation of Greek-Australian players, and we’ll take a young squad to Vegas. About six domestic players will be flying in from Athens. The more games we play, the better for rugby league back home.”

With Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis sponsoring Greece, the team will also have an opposed training session against the LA Roosters, an American side backed by the NRL club.

Growing the Game in Greece

Georgallis highlighted the progress of rugby league in Greece, noting the expansion to eight domestic teams and a women’s competition.

“We got to play in one World Cup, which was a 20-year dream,” he said. “That has had a definite flow-on effect. We now have strong domestic competition and are working toward an Under-19s system. The goal is to attract more young players and eventually qualify for future World Cups.”

Greece’s journey continues in Las Vegas, where Markopoulos and his teammates will look to showcase their talent and push for further international recognition.

Source https://www.nrl.com/news/2025/01/29/meant-everything-to-me-how-ilias-message-inspired-greek-rookie-to-step-up-for-vegas-test/