South Sydney Rabbitohs halfback, Lachlan Ilias, wants to honour his late pappou when he plays for Greece’s national men’s team in the Rugby League World Cup this year.
In an interview with NRL.com, Ilias said that when he pulls on the blue and white jersey for the first time in October, it will be a fitting tribute to his Greek pappou who recently passed away.
“[My pappou] is the reason why we’re here in Australia so I’m really looking forward to representing him and my family,” Ilias said in the interview.
“Playing for Greece will be one of my greatest football moments yet I think.”
The Greek national team is made up of five Australian NRL players, including Ilias, Peter Mamouzelos, and Nicholas Mougios from the Rabbitohs, as well as some players from the Australian junior league and eight domestic players from Greece.
They’re all set to play their first match against France on October 17 this year at Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster, UK, followed by matches against Samoa and England on October 23 and October 29 respectively.
Ilias said he’s looking forward to the matches and he couldn’t be prouder of being Greek.
“It’s an honour being Greek and I’m really looking forward to representing Greece and my ‘pappou’ (grandfather) in the World Cup,” he said.
READ MORE: Rugby League receives government recognition in Greece.
Source: NRL.com.
