Skandalis to debut for Greece

John Skandalis will make his long awaited international debut when he pulls on the Greek jersey for the Greece v Fiji A match at Oki Jubilee Oval on Saturday, October 7.

Skandalis, who finished his NRL career last month, will head over to England in 2007 to link up with the Huddersfield Giants. He was expected to make his debut for Greece in 2003 when they took on Italy but pulled out of the squad after he was named in the Australian Kangaroos train-on squad.

Skandalis missed out on getting the call-up to the Kangaroos and will make up for that disappointment when he runs out wearing the Greek jersey as captain.

"It is an honour to be given the opportunity to represent my heritage. To play for Greece and be given the opportunity to captain the side is something I will always treasure," said Skandalis.

"I never dreamt that I would be playing Rugby League for Greece but it is a credit to everyone at the Greek Rugby League for getting this venture off the ground."

Skandalis will also travel to Europe and is expected to feature in the first ever domestic Rugby League matches in Greece. The Greeks will play their first international on home soil when they meet Serbia on October 28 in Athens with up to half the Greek side consisting of local-based players.

"Going to Greece and helping out the domestic Rugby League will be exciting. Who would have thought that the game would be played in Greece?? said Skandalis.

For the match against Fiji A, Greece will also field Bulldogs forward Nick Kouparitsas and former Dragons and South Sydney half-back Willie Peters. Castleford Tigers winger Adam Fletcher has flown back from England to play in the game while Brisbane Easts centre David Georgiou will also be involved. The side will be coached by former NRL and Super League player Steve Georgallis.

Last year's captain Michael Korkidas will be missing after going in for surgery on his elbow but is hopeful of making it to Athens for the historic clash with Serbia. Korkidas?s Wakefield Trinity team-mate Jason Demetriou is undecided on whether he will travel to Greece and is waiting for clearance from his club.

The game between Greece and Fiji A kicks-off at 2.30pm at Oki Jubilee Oval.