adamkungl
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Last but not least, hopefully, of the Euro nations.
Greece are making their WC debut and will be up against it in a group with some of the strongest opposition in the tournament.
With professional experience thin in their playing ranks, they'll be relying on passion and maybe a lucky smile or two from the footy gods - but just about everyone who isn't English, Samoan or French will be cheering them on.
Best 17:
1 Robinson (Sydney Roosters)
2 Mitsias (North Sydney)
3 Mougios (South Sydney)
4 Ilias (South Sydney)
5 Zampetides (Hills Sydney A-Grade)
6 Magoulias (Cronulla)
7 Meads (Beerwah QLD A-Grade)
8 Bastas (Villeghailhenc-Aragon Elite2)
9 Mamaouzelos (South Sydney)
10 B. Tsikrikas (Penrith)
11 Kambos (Sydney Roosters)
12 G. Tsikrikas (Penrith)
13 Peats (Gold Coast)
14 Tuliatu (London Skolars)
15 Constantinou (Sunbury VIC A-Grade)
16 Vrahnos (Salon Elite2)
17 Sell (Mittagong)
The above players are mostly heritage players with higher level experience, but no doubt Greece will field a number of local domestic players.
The following played in the 2019 Qualifiers in which they flogged Serbia and were competitive against a more-fancied Scotland. Expect to see them at least coming off the bench in the World Cup:
Koutsimpogiorgos (Aris, centre), Nianiakas (Aris, bench), Dardamanis (Aris, bench), Bosmos (Rhodes, wing), Katsidonis (Rhodes, bench)
The pandemic is unfortunate for all, but it could be a more significant hit for the domestic players who have far less lifetime match experience than the players they will come up against in the World Cup who have played the game since they were old enough to run. Hopefully 2021 sees the Greek RL come back bigger and better than ever, without interference from fraud antagonists. If these guys can fit in some national team games before the World Cup it would be hugely beneficial.
How will they go?
Pool opponents are:
England
Samoa
France
No beating around the bush, it's tough to see them getting a win up. There don't appear to be any current NRL or SL players likely to represent Greece, with Peats a long shot and Magoulias currently not getting a look in. France and Samoa are seasoned opposition and England are obviously on a different level again.
BUT stranger things have happened. Lebanon beat France in 2017. Football isn't won on paper.
Their biggest game to date has been against Scotland in the 2019 playoffs, which they lost 42-24 after a valiant fight.
Crucial game?
France look most likely to give them a chance, with a recent history of disappointing showings and playing down to their opponents level. Even a single win would be a huge result for Greece.
Predicted finish?
4th in their pool. They're massive outsiders. It's very hard to see a win here, but the future is bright.
Greece are making their WC debut and will be up against it in a group with some of the strongest opposition in the tournament.
With professional experience thin in their playing ranks, they'll be relying on passion and maybe a lucky smile or two from the footy gods - but just about everyone who isn't English, Samoan or French will be cheering them on.
Best 17:
1 Robinson (Sydney Roosters)
2 Mitsias (North Sydney)
3 Mougios (South Sydney)
4 Ilias (South Sydney)
5 Zampetides (Hills Sydney A-Grade)
6 Magoulias (Cronulla)
7 Meads (Beerwah QLD A-Grade)
8 Bastas (Villeghailhenc-Aragon Elite2)
9 Mamaouzelos (South Sydney)
10 B. Tsikrikas (Penrith)
11 Kambos (Sydney Roosters)
12 G. Tsikrikas (Penrith)
13 Peats (Gold Coast)
14 Tuliatu (London Skolars)
15 Constantinou (Sunbury VIC A-Grade)
16 Vrahnos (Salon Elite2)
17 Sell (Mittagong)
The above players are mostly heritage players with higher level experience, but no doubt Greece will field a number of local domestic players.
The following played in the 2019 Qualifiers in which they flogged Serbia and were competitive against a more-fancied Scotland. Expect to see them at least coming off the bench in the World Cup:
Koutsimpogiorgos (Aris, centre), Nianiakas (Aris, bench), Dardamanis (Aris, bench), Bosmos (Rhodes, wing), Katsidonis (Rhodes, bench)
The pandemic is unfortunate for all, but it could be a more significant hit for the domestic players who have far less lifetime match experience than the players they will come up against in the World Cup who have played the game since they were old enough to run. Hopefully 2021 sees the Greek RL come back bigger and better than ever, without interference from fraud antagonists. If these guys can fit in some national team games before the World Cup it would be hugely beneficial.
How will they go?
Pool opponents are:
England
Samoa
France
No beating around the bush, it's tough to see them getting a win up. There don't appear to be any current NRL or SL players likely to represent Greece, with Peats a long shot and Magoulias currently not getting a look in. France and Samoa are seasoned opposition and England are obviously on a different level again.
BUT stranger things have happened. Lebanon beat France in 2017. Football isn't won on paper.
Their biggest game to date has been against Scotland in the 2019 playoffs, which they lost 42-24 after a valiant fight.
Crucial game?
France look most likely to give them a chance, with a recent history of disappointing showings and playing down to their opponents level. Even a single win would be a huge result for Greece.
Predicted finish?
4th in their pool. They're massive outsiders. It's very hard to see a win here, but the future is bright.
