The proposed match between Greece and Russia in Athens in 2005 has been postponed for at least a year in order to give the Greek Rugby League more time to prepare for the introduction of the game in Greece.
Greece will still send a side to compete in the Mediterranean Cup next season but needs more guarantees before committing to their homeland.
"We can go and play Russia in Greece next year. That is not the problem. We want to make sure that the game will be introduced domestically and we are prepared to wait to make sure it works" said Greek RL boss Colin Mylonas.
The Greek RL will use the international as a promotional tool for all the potential players in Greece instead of flying in playing the game and then heading back to Australia.
"It takes plenty of planning and money to make it a success. Myself and a number of members from our committee have been overseas to study everything that we need to do before committing ourselves" said Mylonas.
"It really is going to come down to the players. If they are enthusiastic about going to Lebanon then the committee is right behind them. We are not going for a holiday."
Greece were looking at playing Malta on January 26 but have decided to decline the invitation. The Maltese were keen on staging an international with the United States on the same day but they too will not be playing.
Greece will not be fielding a team in the St Marys and Wollongong Sevens but will be looking at playing in the Pacifica Oceania tournament in October 2005 prior to heading to the Middle East.
The Pacifica Oceania tournament are looking at expanding to include guest nations in Greece, Malta, Singapore. Italy and Lebanon.
"That is an option but we will cross that bridge when we get there. We can play a thousand games in Australia but what does that Achieve? We need to be focused on having the game playing in Greece and Europe" said Mylonas.
"We hope to have a number of players coming from Greece to play in the Mediterranean Cup. That is what development is all about".
Article from RUGBY LEAGUE REVIEW
For all your Greek RL news and results head on over to www.greekrugbyleague.cjb.net
Greece will still send a side to compete in the Mediterranean Cup next season but needs more guarantees before committing to their homeland.
"We can go and play Russia in Greece next year. That is not the problem. We want to make sure that the game will be introduced domestically and we are prepared to wait to make sure it works" said Greek RL boss Colin Mylonas.
The Greek RL will use the international as a promotional tool for all the potential players in Greece instead of flying in playing the game and then heading back to Australia.
"It takes plenty of planning and money to make it a success. Myself and a number of members from our committee have been overseas to study everything that we need to do before committing ourselves" said Mylonas.
"It really is going to come down to the players. If they are enthusiastic about going to Lebanon then the committee is right behind them. We are not going for a holiday."
Greece were looking at playing Malta on January 26 but have decided to decline the invitation. The Maltese were keen on staging an international with the United States on the same day but they too will not be playing.
Greece will not be fielding a team in the St Marys and Wollongong Sevens but will be looking at playing in the Pacifica Oceania tournament in October 2005 prior to heading to the Middle East.
The Pacifica Oceania tournament are looking at expanding to include guest nations in Greece, Malta, Singapore. Italy and Lebanon.
"That is an option but we will cross that bridge when we get there. We can play a thousand games in Australia but what does that Achieve? We need to be focused on having the game playing in Greece and Europe" said Mylonas.
"We hope to have a number of players coming from Greece to play in the Mediterranean Cup. That is what development is all about".
Article from RUGBY LEAGUE REVIEW
For all your Greek RL news and results head on over to www.greekrugbyleague.cjb.net
