Nobody copped a bigger loss through the group stages of the Rugby League World Cup this year than Greece, but that doesn’t mean the national team’s future is bleak.
Their first World Cup campaign ended with three big losses against France, Samoa and England. In their final match against England, Greece was lucky to avoid conceding a century in their 94-4 loss.
But they scored four tries throughout their debut tournament, each of which was a highlight reel effort, and their journey gained an exposure that never would have come otherwise.
That’s because the Greek Rugby League Federation was only granted Greek government recognition in July this year.
Now, with this renewed exposure and pride in the Greek team across the world, it’s time to focus on the future of the sport. This is something Greece’s head coach, Steve Georgallis, is looking forward to.
“I’m proud and happy and a little bit emotional,” Georgallis said after Greece’s match loss to England.
“I don’t think you get to walk around the field after being beaten by 90 and have the crowd cheering and calling out the name of your country, Greece. I think that just goes to show the effort the players put in.Â
“With the World Cup and the game now being legal, we’re hoping to get into schools and start from the grassroots and try and get that as part of sport in the country.”
These ambitions are shared by players in Georgallis’ squad as well, including team captain Jordan Meads.
“We’ll never forget our journey, but we’re keen to shed that victim mentality and really push forward with rugby league in Greece and I can’t wait to be a part of it,” Meads told SkySports.com.
