The beautiful island of Rhodes will be the setting for the launch of the 2016-17 rugby league season in Greece.
Players from Greece, Turkey and Australia will converge on the historic centre for a ‘festival of footy’ starting this Friday.
The Rhodes 8s tournament will kick things off followed by a match-up between the Greek Titans and a Turkey rugby league side on Saturday.
Last year’s premiers the Rhodes Knights will then play host to the Patras Panthers on Sunday in the opening match of the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF)-sanctioned domestic completion.
Administrator George Stilianos said that this will be the perfect way to get the season started.
“There is so much to get excited about here, the newly formed Turkish team playing, Patra joining our league and the first RLEF Match Officials course in Rhodes.
“It will be an historic three days and a good preview of what is sure to be our best season yet.
“Well done to everyone in Rhodes who have worked hard to make this happen.”
The tournament will feature the Greek Titans (a composite of Greek and Australian based players), the newly formed Kadikoy Bulls from Turkey and the four Greek clubs playing in the RLEF competition, Aris Eagles, Attica Rhinos, Patras Panthers and Rhodes Knights.
Tournament Schedule
Friday 14 October 14:00 – Rhodes 8s Tournament
Saturday 15 October 19:00 Greek Titans v Turkey RL
Sunday 16 October 14:00 Rhodes Knights v Patras Panthers
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Why ?.They(Greece and Turkey) are both members of that collective military shield called Nato. Rugby league has a habit of bringing communities together. Both countries see a benefit in a great sport such as rugby league,and they are hardly unique in that respect.
Paulie
Guest
Greece vs Turkey in a league game? could be a blood bath!
jamesb
Guest
Great headline.
celtic bandaid
Guest
What Good News First a team from Rhodes and I reckon there will soon be a team from Concord West BTW Will Margret be singing the national anthems ? http://members.iinet.net.au/~margretr/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margret_RoadKnight
Stuart McLennan
Expert
Absolutely Crosscoder. The RLEF have been doing a great job with training and education. They have also been training match officials including recently the first female referee in Greece.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Yes the title reached out,via the Colossus of Rhodes ancient history story. I also note recently another coach education and coaching Level 1 course held in Athens ,attended by 14 candidates from Athens,Patras and Rhodes. Augurs well for the future .
SailorStyle
Guest
Turkey's RL could be become more popular than Turkey's RU.
Stuart McLennan
Expert
Thanks. Thought it might grab some attention.
Stuart McLennan
Expert
Not sure about a broadcast. Rugby League in Greece on Facebook is probably your best bet for updates. It is fantastic to witness the passion and enthusiasm for rugby league here. Things are building.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
+1 !
Daniel
Guest
I'm loving the title of this story. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Bexdog
Guest
Thanks for this. I had no idea there were 4 teams playing out of my parents homeland. Now to pick a team. My mother is from patra but my old man is from aris territory. Any chance these games will be broadcast anywhere.