Tuesday, 06th October 2009
AUS-MED SHIELD TOURNAMENT
Greece, Italy, Malta and Portugal will do battle in the inaugural
Aus-Med Shield Four Nations tournament this month.
The tournament will be held over two weekends at Marconi Stadium in
Sydney's west with the opening matches commencing on October 10.Greece
will take on Portugal at 3pm and Italy will then do battle with Malta
at 5pm.
On October 17, the two winners will take on each other at 5pm with the
play-off for third at 3pm. While all players will be coming from
Australia and England, the aim of the tournament is to help develop
the game in the Mediterranean nations. It will also be the first step
to the 2013 World Cup with the nations preparing their squads in order
to compete in the qualifying stages from 2011.
Greece will go into the first game understrength with skipper Michael
Korkidas unavailable for the first game. With Nick Kouparitsas, George
Gatis and David Georgiou all unavailable due to injury, Greece will be
looking towards the likes of Petros Thanos, Kosta Kouparitsas, Nick
Nikitaras, Alex Pattalis and former Penrith player Jamie Theoharous
to lead the way.
"We are still hopeful of getting John Skandalis to play in the second
game," said Greek Rugby League coach Steve Georgallis.
Portugal could be the surprise packets after selecting the likes of
Victor Penitani, Blake Austin, Eddie Sua, Chester Paselio and
Demetrius Ainuu. All the players have been playing in either the
Toyota Cup or Bundaberg Red Cup and will add some much needed
experience to the side.
Italy have been installed as favourites to win the AMS Four Nations
with former Cronulla first grade players Andrew Dallalana and Paul
Franze selected. Newcastle Knights first grader Cameron Ciraldo has
also been selected to play for the Italians as has Wests Tigers Toyota
Cup player Jay Florimo. Jay is the son of former North Sydney legend
Greg Florimo, who is still part of the Bears set-up. Greg represented
Italy in 2003 when they played Greece. Other key players that have
been selected for the Italians include NSW Cup/Bundaberg Red Cup
players Rhys Lenarducci, Ben Stewart, Ray Nasso, Andrew Kaleopa, Ryan
Tremonte and Alex Ranieri.
Malta have selected Jarrod Sammut in their squad. The Penrith NRL
player has also represented Malta both in Australia and overseas and
will be the key weapon during the tournament. Malta will be skippered
by Brad Clews and have selected Simon Micallef, Ian Catania, Luke
Vella, Guy Borgas, Dane Snelson and Pat Galea for their squad.
The Aus-Med Shield
Marconi Stadium, Sydney
Saturday, October 10
3pm: Greece vs Portugal
5pm: Malta vs Italy
Saturday, October 17
3pm: Plate Final
5pm: Shield Final
For further information, contact Terry Liberopoulos on 0417 414204.
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