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Inspired by the success of the Lebanese and Italian Rugby League, the game
is set to be introduced into Greece.
A Greek Rugby League Association is currently being formed in Sydney along
the same lines as Italy and Lebanon.
GRL is founded by Colin Mylonas, a former junior player with Eastern Suburbs
and lllawarra. He has been heavily involved with Tertiary Rugby League for
the past decade.
'We are currently talking to various people in order to make sure that this
is done correctly. Greeks love their Rugby League and there are plenty that
play the game,' said Mylonas.
Braith Anasta, John Skandalis and Michael Korkidas are just some of the high
profile Greeks that are involved in top-class Rugby League.
'Our aim is to start from the bottom and work our way up. There is plenty of
work to be done but everybody involved is excited about our plans,' said
Mylonas.
A Greek side was keen on entering a team in the Wollongong Sevens on
February 15 but will now concentrate on playing a Tertiary Rugby League
side.
Greece would then be looking to stage a match against Italy in Sydney.
The success of that game will determine if Greece competes in the
Mediterranean Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Tripoli, Lebanon in
October.
The GRL has acquired the services of former NRL player Steve Georgallis as
captain-coach.
'Greece can he competitive because Greeks love their sport. George Peponis,
who played Rugby League for Australia, played for my junior club St George
Dragons and inspired many Greeks to play the game.' said Georgallis.
'I have seen how countries like Lebanon and Italy have evolved in the last
five years and I am excited at being involved.'
The International Rugby League Federation is more than willing to assist
Greece in establishing the game.
'We are happy to see any country playing the game. We will assist them in
any way we can. The formation of the European Federation means that Greece
can apply to be an associate member,' said International Rugby League
Federation Development Officer Tas Batieri.
Depending on their progress, Greece could feature in the 2004 World Sevens -
albeit through the qualifying rounds.
The long term plan is to introduce the game in Greece via the universities.
Mylonas and other officials will travel to Greece during the year in order
to introduce the game through the education system.
'The juniors are the future. Even if we just start off with one university,
we can work around that by sending them to nearby countries such as Serbia
and Italy,' said Mylonas.
Speaking of the European Federation, two full members (Great Britain and
France) were joined by nine other nations - Wales, Ireland, Scotland,
Russia, Serbia, Italy, Netherlands, Lebanon and Morocco - who were invited
to apply for associate membership.
Launched last month in Paris, the new Federation has organised an
international programme for 2003.
In November there will be a European Nations Cup competition between England
A, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Russia, with those six countries
split into two pools of three, and games played in England, Scotland,
Ireland and France, and the final set down for 16 November.
In October, Morocco, Lebanon, Italy and France will contest the
Mediterranean Cup.
And in May there will be a 'Victory Cup' competition held in Russia.
involving Russia, USA, France and a BARLA side representing Great Britain.
In addition them will be a match between France and the full Great Britain
side in France on 29 October, and the French will host a tour by Papua New
Guinea with Test matches to be played on 12 and 19 October.
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