Greece were too strong for Albania in their men’s senior international at Stadium I Vorës in Tirana, running in 15 tries in an emphatic 86-0 victory in front of healthy crowd.

Left centre Georgios Chionis and winger Athanasous Katsigannis led the way each with hat tricks, Stefanos Eskioglou landing 13 goals.

The match was Albania’s second international and first at home, and for 25 minutes in the second half they kept a clean sheet before the visitors crossed for four late tries to extend the margin of victory.

Albania director and head coach, Arnaldo Telo, said: “Despite the outcome, this match has provided us with valuable lessons. We anticipated a challenging and physically demanding game, and it has become clear that we need to shift our mindset as well as our training and preparation strategies for similar matches in the future. 

“While we have talented players, it is essential to cultivate a strong team mentality and a cohesive game system that maximises each player's potential. I am particularly pleased with the performances of several debutants in this match.”

Telo added: “With time and dedication from everyone involved, I am confident that positive results will follow.

"I view this match as a victory for the Albanian Rugby League - not in terms of the score, but in the successful organization of the event, the effective logistics, and the enthusiastic involvement of our community, all achieved on relatively short notice.

"This marks a pivotal starting point for Albanian Rugby League, and I believe that future events will reach even higher standards.”

Greece played a team exclusively selected from their domestic competition, player/coach Robert Tuliatu, commented: “It was an honour for Greece to participate in the first international rugby league match in Albania. I want to emphasise our gratitude to Albanian Rugby League for their hospitality and organising this historic fixture. 

“The scoreline did not reflect the effort and heart the hosting nation displayed. But our boys trained really well, maintained their discipline throughout the match, and executed very well. I am very proud of their efforts.”

ALBANIA 0

Andi Zeneli, Andi Tanushi,  Stilian Sala, Ergys Murati, Dajan Shatraj, Dorjan Dervishi, Albert Shehu, Girsjan Priska, Shaban Penxho, Rigers Kurti, Aurel Gjeloshi, Alban Alia, Senad Kurtaj. Interchange: Kristi Papa, Arnaldo Telo, Jurgen Xhan, Fabian Thanasaj

GREECE 86

Ioannis Nake, Alexandros Linoxylakis, Panagiotis Varipatis, Georgios Chionis, Athanasous Katsigannis, Stefanos Eskioglou, Aris Dardamanis, Evangelos Velisaris, Nikolaos Stefanou, Nektarios Tsakalos, Ioannis Fragkos, Aris Koulizakis, Robert Tuliatu. Interchange: Stefanos Bastas, Panagiotis Karefilis, Nikolaos Mavreas, Evangelos Palogianndis

Tries: Nake (2), Linoxylakis (7), Chionis (15, 32, 48), Tuliatu (29), Tsakalos (33, 36), Stefanou (38), Katsigannis (41, 64, 68), Varipatis (71), Dardamanis (74), Palogianndis (77); Goals: Eskioglou 13/15

Referee: Nenad Zuijc (Serbia)