The LA Roosters have welcomed Greece to Los Angeles as they prepare for an historic two-Test series against the USA Hawks in Las Vegas.
With Greece sponsored by Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis and LA Roosters owned by the NRL club, the two teams came together for a joint training session at Long Beach, California.
Greece, who are coached by Parramatta Eels NRLW mentor Steve Georgallis, will play the Hawks at Silverbowl Park on Wednesday, February 26 and Friday, February 28.
The Greek women’s team will also play their USA counterparts for the first time as part of a double-header on February 28.
USARL Chair Matt Goschnick praised the unique collaboration between the LA Roosters and Greece.
“It’s pleasing to see one of our domestic clubs not only assist but also benefit from the presence of a touring national team,” Goschnick said.
“I hope to see other teams afforded the same opportunity by touring national teams, as it will undoubtedly help develop the game across the United States.”
Georgallis took the time during the session to offer invaluable coaching insights to LA Roosters mentor Emiliano Nash.
Nash, who will work with Sydney Roosters NRLW premiership winning mentor John Strange to oversee his club’s men’s and women’s teams at the NRL Vegas Nines, said the shared experiences would play a key role in shaping his future coaching style.
“It was a privilege to have the Greek national team join us. The boys and I learned a lot from the session,” Nash said.
The session was organised by Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly, who is on the board of the USARL.
“This training session was a fantastic opportunity for both teams to come together in preparation for Vegas,” Kelly said.
“We’re proud to have played a role in this experience and are excited for the continued development of our LA Roosters players and coaching staff through these invaluable collaborations.”
“Nash’s development doesn’t end with this experience. He will also have the opportunity to further enhance his coaching skills through mentorship from Sydney Roosters NRLW Premiership-winning coach and NSW Women’s State of Origin Coach John Strange.”
Among the players in attendance were former US rugby sevens representative Sione Masoe, who will become the first LA Roosters international when he played for the Hawks against Greece.
“I’m impressed by how quickly the LA Roosters players adapted to new drills,” Georgallis said.
“Their eagerness to learn and their appreciation for the game made this a great experience for both developing nations.”
A 25-man Greek squad has travelled to the US for the series, with five players selected from the domestic competition in Greece.
“This is a great experience for our players and staff as we head to Las Vegas to play against the USA, Greek team manager Terry Liberopoulos said.
“Many of our players have come from the local Greek Rugby League domestic competition and matches like this will only help grow the game in Greece.”
Greece squad
Alex Aliu (Rhodes Knights)
Leon Bakis (Sydney Roosters)
Aris Dardamanis (Aris Eagles)
Nic Flocas (Carina)
Myles Gal (Bundaberg Brothers)
Lewis Georgallis (Unattached)
Deon Iro (Cabramatta)
Jake Kambos (Young)
Aris Koulizakis (Attica Rhinos)
Eddie Markopoulos (Cabramatta)
Emmanuel Michailou (Renown United)
Jonny Mitsias (Young)
Bill Mougios (Kingsgrove Colts)
Nic Mougios (Ryde-Eastwood)
Theodoras Nianiakas (Waverley-Oakleigh)
Kody Papa (Hills District)
Chris Slater-Raptis (Newtown)
Nick Stephanou (Attica Rhinos)
Sam Stratis (Blacktown Workers)
Stefano Totidis (Ryde-Eastwood)
Tyrone Tsagalias (Mounties)
Nectarios Tsakalos (Athens Raiders)
Nicholas Tuliatu (Newcastle Souths)
Robert Tuliatu (Athens Raiders)
Mitch Zampetides (unattached).
Source: NRL.
