Greece makes proud debut at Rugby League World Cup despite loss to France

·

Greece put in a brave performance during its debut at the Rugby League World Cup this morning before going down to France 34-12.

Despite the loss, the Greek team made history at Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, the United Kingdom, when they first came out onto the field and proudly sang the Greek national anthem.

The first half was tense for the Greek team with the French side opening up a 20-0 half time lead.

But Greece’s second half efforts saw history in the making when captain, Jordan Meads, put in a perfect grubber and Siteni Taukomo latched on to it to score Greece’s first ever World Cup try in the 57th match minute. The try was converted by Lachlan Ilias.

France were then penalised for a shot clock violation off a drop out as they wobbled.

In the final minute of the match, Meads picked out Nick Mougios down the left and he weaved in and out to race in from 40 metres to claim Greece’s second try.

Greece’s head coach, Steve Georgallis, said after the match that he “couldn’t be more proud of the boys and the effort they put in.”

“I’m really proud of their effort and the way they played. I just told them to go over to the crowd and take in the moment.

“You saw how much it meant to them to play for Greece, they love playing the game and now they can. I think it’s only up from here.”

The next match for France is against the hosts, England, at University of Bolton Stadium in Bolton on October 23 (3.00 am AEDT), while Greece face Samoa in Doncaster on October 24 (3.00 am AEDT).

READ MORE: Greece’s squad gives up payments ahead of Rugby League World Cup.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Stefanos Tsitsipas faces tough decisions after painful Wimbledon withdrawal

Stefanos Tsitsipas was forced to retire from his Wimbledon first-round match against French qualifier Valentin Royer due to a back injury.

Melbourne stage comes alive with innovative theatrical tribute ‘Alexander’s Journey’

An audience that filled every seat at the Clocktower Centre on 29 June was treated to Alexander’s Journey.

New Committee elected as NUGAS Victoria charts vision for youth and culture in 2025–26

On 26 May the Victorian branch of the National Union of Greek Australian Students held its Annual General Meeting to elect a new committee.

Gold Coast driver Alexander Vadeikis faces court over fatal street race

Gold Coast man Alexander James Vadeikis, 21, has faced court after being hit with upgraded charges over a deadly alleged street race.

Moray & Agnew named finalist in the Australian Law Awards

Moray & Agnew has been named as a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards for three categories.

You May Also Like

Australian sport in disarray as the NRL 2020 season is cancelled and Australia pulls out of the Tokyo Olympics

Not only has the NRL confirmed that the 2020 season has been suspended indefinitely, but Australia's Olympic athletes have been told to prepare for the Games to be postponed to 2021.

‘They cannot be compelled to play’: Lee Hagipantelis on Manly pride jersey saga

Lee Hagipantelis says the seven Manly players who will boycott after the club's decision to wear a pride jersey cannot be compelled to play.

Hellenic Club of Sydney venues under new management as Adgemis’ embattled pub group exits

Operations at the Hellenic Club of Sydney's venues will be taken over by Con Dedes as Jon Adgemis' embattled Public Hospitality Group exits.