Greece announce squad for first-ever Rugby League World Cup

Drew Darbyshire 14 Sep 2022 10:00 PM

Peter Mamouzelos, Billy Magoulias and Lachlan Ilias Greece — (L-R) Peter Mamouzelos, Billy Magoulias and Lachlan Ilias have been named in the Greece World Cup squad

South Sydney Rabbitohs duo Lachlan Ilias and Peter Mamouzelos headline the Greece squad who are preparing to make their debut at a Rugby League World Cup.

Half-back Ilias, 22, has already played 26 games for the Rabbitohs since making his NRL debut in 2021.

Hooker Mamouzelos, 21, made his NRL debut last year and has since made five appearances. He has already won seven caps for Greece.

Canterbury Bulldogs prop Billy Tsikrikas will be looking to add to his six Greek caps. He made his international debut for Greece eight years before his NRL debut!

Former Warrington forward Billy Magoulias, who now plays for the Newtown Jets in the New South Wales Cup, has also been named in the Greek squad, which is coached by former Wire player Steve Georgallis.

London Broncos pair Rob Tuliatu and Adam Vrahnos will represent the capital for Greece.

Stefanos Bastas will be a familiar name to rugby league anoraks in the northern hemisphere. The 28-year-old prop has previously played for Hemel Stags, Doncaster and Coventry Bears in League 1. He has won 12 caps for his country.

There are several players included from the New South Wales Cup and Queensland Cup competitions, such as Johnny Mitsias, Nick Mougios, Nick Flocas, Chaise Robinson and Jake Kambos.

Georgallis has included eight players from the Greek domestic competition, with players representing the likes of Aris Eagles, Attica Rhinos and Rhodes Knights.

Greece will be captain by experienced half-back Jordan Meads. He was born and raised in New Zealand and qualifies to play for Greece through his mother’s side of the family. He also spent two seasons in England with Gateshead Thunder between 2014-15.

The Greeks are in a group alongside England, Samoa and France.

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