"We just couldn't afford to bring 10 players over to Australia and pay for three weeks accommodation. We need the money to concentrate on getting the game officially registered in Greece," said HRL founder Colin Mylonas.
But when the news was announced to the players and officials
in Greece, they decided to take matters into their own hands.
"The players contacted us and said that they wanted to come
to Australia and play Rugby League. They will pay their own way to
Australia and together with sponsors, the Hellenic Rugby League will
pay for their stay in Australia," said Mylonas.
"The support in Greece has been fantastic and for the players in Greece to unite like this, is overwhelming."
Plenty of work has been going on in Greece with friendly matches being staged in recent months. The players in Greece will be involved in a number of matches in the next couple of months in readiness for their trip to Australia.
They will then link up with the other 14 players in Brisbane just prior to the start of the Student World Cup.
Greece will join Australia, England and Scotland in Pool Two while the other group will feature New Zealand, France, Ireland and Wales. Two sides from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
The third-placed sides from each group will play-off for fifth position with the bottom two sides to feature in the play-off for seventh position.
