Albania meet Greece on December 7 in a men’s senior international at Stadium I Vorës in Tirana (kick off 1pm local time) for world ranking points. The game marks Albania’s first international at home and builds on their debut against Netherlands last year which ended in a 58-18 defeat.

Albania RLA director, Arnaldo Telo, noted: “Our organisation aims to increase opportunities for all involved by collaborating with neighbouring federations. We aspire to forge strong and strategic bonds in our region, but our primary goal is to provide the Albanian public with the chance to watch our national team play for the first time. 

“We hope this will enhance the game's visibility and reputation in Albania and look forward to this match offering a spectacular experience for our fans, supporters, staff, and players from both sides.”

Albania will hand out eleven debuts to Alban Alia, Andi Tanushi, Aurel Gjeloshi, Dorjan Dervishi, Ergys Murati, Fabian Thanasaj, Jurgen Xhani, Kristi Papa, Rigers Kurti, Senad Kurtaj and Stilian Sala, with Telo taking charge of the team for the fixture. 

Greece are in line to hand debuts to four players, Alexandros Linoxylakis, Athanasios Katsigiannis, Evangelos Velissaris and Evangelos Palogiannidis for the game, which marks their second fixture of 2024 after a win over Norway in Athens earlier in the year.

“I'm particularly excited to see Alexandros Aliu in action again,” said men’s head coach Robert Tuliatu. “At just 21 he is one of the most talented players in the Greek domestic competition and his Albanian and Greek heritage should make for the perfect combination for a passionate performance. 

“Every player selected is playing in the Greek domestic competition, we have at least two from each of the six teams represented at the moment. It shows the positive work and that we're continuing to move in the right direction.”

ALBANIA SQUAD

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

GREECE SQUAD

Stefanos Eskioglou, Brandon Onyango, Evangelos Velissaris (AEK), Stefanos Bastas, Georgios Chionis, Aris Dardamanis, Athanasios Katsigiannis, Nikolaos Mavreas (Aris Eagles), Nektarios Tsakalos, Robert Tuliatu (Athens City Raiders), Alexandros Linoxylakis, Evangelos Palogiannidis, Panagiotis Varypatis (Athens Sharks), Panagiotis Karefilis, Aris Koulizakis, Ioannis Nake, Nikolaos Stefanou (Attica Rhinos), Aleksandros Aliu, Ioannis Fragkos (Rhodes Knights)

Albania made their debut in October 2023 when they were defeated 58-18 by Netherlands in Zaandam. ARLA director, Arnaldo Telo, commented: “This historic event marks a significant milestone for our rugby league community and the Albanian Rugby League Association. 

“It demonstrates our unwavering commitment to advancing our sport and projects, despite recent challenges. This match offers a wonderful opportunity for all our players, regardless of experience, to represent the national team and gain valuable experience that will benefit them now and in the future.”

Telo added: “Our organisation aims to increase international matches and create more opportunities for all involved by collaborating with neighbouring federations. We aspire to forge strong and strategic bonds in our region, but our primary goal is to provide the Albanian public with the chance to watch our national team play. 

“We hope this will enhance the game's visibility and reputation in Albania and look forward to this match being a festival of rugby league, offering a spectacular experience for our fans, supporters, staff, and players from both sides.”

The game marks Greece’s second international of the year after their 34-26 over Norway in Athens. Men’s head coach, Robert Tuliatu, noted: “We are expecting some big performances from our boys to prove themselves for selection for our international in Las Vegas in late February.

“I'm particularly excited to see Alexandros Aliu in action again. At just 21 he is one of the most talented players in the Greek domestic competition and his Albanian and Greek heritage should make for the perfect combination for a passionate performance. 

“Every player selected is playing in the Greek domestic competition, we have at least two from each of the six teams represented at the moment. It shows the positive work and that we're continuing to move in a positive direction. 

“I had the pleasure of attending a training session in Tirana in 2022 and running a coaching session. They are a passionate group who are hungry for progress and I expect to see some of those faces for this match. The idea of regular fixtures with Albania has been discussed and both nations are keen to see this game happen more regularly. Personally, as our closest rugby league playing nation, I'd like to see this become an annual fixture.”