The Greek Student Development squad proved too quick and powerful for South Sydney A-grade side, Newtown Junior Jets 24-10 at Henson Park.
The Greeks showed plenty of character, going into the game with just
14 players after injury and late withdrawals left the numbers reduced, while the Jets had the full compliment of 20 players. The Greeks were down to just 13 players after winger Nektar Stefanis was carried off with a knee injury.
The match was an unofficial event, with the Greeks playing in red and white jerseys. It allowed the Hellenic (Greek) Rugby League (HRL) to look at players that would qualify for the 2008 Student World Cup.
�It not only gave us the opportunity to see which players we can choose from for the Student World Cup but also players that could represent Greece in the future, both domestically and internationally,� said HRL Founder Colin Mylonas.
The Newtown Junior Jets led 10-6 after 18 minutes of play with the Greeks scoring their opening try through hooker Michael Klapsogiannis.
With the bare minimum, the Greeks dug deep and came up with some brilliant attacking football. Kouparitsas raced over under the posts in the 23rd minute and Michael Buckingham crossed soon after from a brilliant backline movement that began with James Cotsonis.
South Sydney junior representative forward Petros Thanos scored after
36 minutes from a short pass from Nick Nikitaras. Captain Stuart Philpott led his side magnificently and was well supported by Kouparitsas, Nikitaras, Steve Spiliotopoulos and Simon Lakis.
Bulldogs� NRL forward Nick Kouparitsas flew down from Brisbane on the morning of the game and helped run the water.
Greek Student Development Squad 24 (Michael Klapsogiannis, Kosta Kouparitsas, Michael Buckingham, Petros Thanos tries; Steve Spiliotopoulos 4 goals) d. Newtown Junior Jets 10 (Grant Gabriel, Toka Makira tries; Andrew Mikhail goal) at Henson Park.
http://greekrugbyleague.com/
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