At The Sporting Base, we will be previewing all 16 Rugby League World Cup nations ahead of the men’s tournament’s kick-off on 15 October. In the third instalment of the series, we look at rookies Greece and how they might fare in their maiden World Cup campaign.
IRL Ranking: 11th
Group: A
Schedule: France (Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster); Sāmoa (Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster); England (Bramall Lane, Sheffield)
World Cup Appearances: 0
Best Result: N/A
Head Coach: Steve Georgallis
Title Odds: $1001.00
Rugby league earnt government recognition in Greece for the first time a fortnight ago as their national team prepares for its maiden Rugby League World Cup campaign, which they managed to qualify for after thumping Serbia in the 2019 European Playoff.
They will open their tournament against a plucky French side before facing off against World Cup powerhouses Sāmoa and England.
The side has not played since their 76-point win over Serbia in Belgrade in November 2019 but will undoubtedly be energised at the prospect of competing against some of the world’s best in the UK.
The Greeks have managed to come out victorious in four of their past five international outings albeit against rather light opposition.
Their squad is expected to be headlined by Rabbitohs youngsters Lachlan Ilias and Peter Mamouzelos, as well as Newtown Jets hero Billy Magoulias, Bulldogs forward Billy Tsikrikas, and Eels teenager Samuel Loizou.
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Toulouse veteran Nathan Peats is also Greek-eligible, as well as reserve-grade campaigners Chaise Robinson, John Mitsias, Nick Mougios, Harris Georgopoulos and Nic Flocas.
Jordan Meads, Rob Tuliatu, Stefanos Bastas and Adam Vrahnos are among the veterans who head coach Steve Georgallis may rely on to guide Greece into their maiden World Cup.
The last time a nation made it past the group stage at their maiden World Cup was the United States in 2013, however, the task on this occasion is significantly more challenging.
In all likelihood, Greece will be in need of a herculean effort to record just a single win let alone a necessary scalp of Sāmoa or England to qualify for the finals.
Any success they find will likely stem from Ilias’ and Mamouzelos’ connection and game management. Ilias has cemented himself as South Sydney’s first-choice halfback after the departure of stalwart Adam Reynolds. In 20 NRL games this season, the 22-year-old has notched 26 try involvements which is good enough for top 20 in the premiership and also leads his side in kicks and kick metres. Mamouzelos, on the other hand, has just four NRL appearances to his name but has already represented Greece on seven occasions scoring 10 tries.
Greece’s rugby league landscape is already vastly improving and the World Cup boost will ensure the next 12 months are increasingly fruitful as they shift their attention to qualifying for the 2025 World Cup in France.
