|
|
|
Next Game N/A
Last Game Greece 22 - Malta 24
|
|
Greece Awaits |
||
|
Preparations for the introduction of Rugby League in Greece have begun with the historic match scheduled for Athena in October 2005.
Greece will take on Russia in an international and there have been discussions about the possibility of Greece travelling to Moscow in 2006 to play in the European Nations Cup.
"Going to Russia in 2006 has been discussed but we have other matters to attend to before that" said Colin Mylonas.
A domestic competition will be held prior to the international between Greece and Russia with the number of teams to be determined by how many players are available.
Mylonas will travel to Greece in September/October to secure a venue for the international as well as finding suitable accommodation for the Russians.
Greece will meet Victoria State side on August 22 at Olympic Park which will be the curtain-raiser to the Melbourne Store-Bulldogs NRL match.
"It will be a good experience for the players and it also helps development of the game in Victoria." said captain/coach Steve Georgallis.
Greece have confirmed that they will take on Italy on Saturday October 2 at Marconi Stadium in Sydney's West. The game will be played under lights at the 8000 seat venue with kick-off set down for 7pm.
Tonga is expected to play the curtain-raiser and are hopeful of playing a Jim Beam Cup representative Selection side.
The Italian Rugby League will also stage an under 15 side at 3pm featuring players with an Italian background. A squad will then be selected to tour Russia next year for the Under 16s Youth Games scheduled for late September.
Greece will then participate in the World Sevens Qualifiers in February 2005 and are looking at playing the United States at Belmore Sports Ground around the same time.
"It's great to play matches in Australia but the bottom line is that it doesn't mean that much. Our aim is to get to Europe and start playing matches in Greece and other countries" said Mylonas.
"What is the point of just playing in Australia? It's good to have something from time to time but our future is overseas."
Greece will also participate in the 2005 Mediterranean Cup but only if it is staged after the NRL grand final.
" We were all set to go this year but the tournament commenced in late September and that is not practical for us" said Mylonas
Preparations for next season have commenced as the Greek Rugby League are looking at approximately $100,000 to stage the match.
"I don't think people realise how much work and money is involved. At the moment we have spent $70,000 out of our own pocket to get where we are" said Mylonas.
"People complain that not much is happening but not many realise how much is involved in this".
The Greek Rugby League are planning a sportsman's dinner on Friday October 8 to help raise funds for Greece.
The Greek Rugby League currently have up to 50 players involved in friendly matches in Greece with one of the Athens-based players drafted into the nation squad.
"If he can take time off work he will be in Melbourne playing for Greece. He will be our first Greek-based player involved in the side and the first of many to come" said Mylonas.
The Greeks squad for game against Victoria will involve players from around the world including Australia, England, France and Greece.
"People criticise us for having Australian-based Greeks but we have to start from somewhere. We would love to have had it started in Greece" said Mylonas.
"We also need to be competitive. There is no point getting beaten by 100 points so we need to get the best Greek players available from around the world"
Greece is definitely the word!
Article from RUGBY LEAGUE REVIEW
Click Here For More Match Results Click Here To Talk About This Article In The Forum
|
