GREEKS SET FOR A TRAGEDY, BUT SPORT IS THE WINNER

BRAMALL LANE originally started out as a cricket ground and even hosted an Ashes Test. Today, spectators at the Sheffield stadium are set to see a cricket score once more. The merits of England playing the part-timers from Greece in the Rugby League World Cup divides opinion. Many feel it is a pointless mismatch. England are 1,000-1 on to win and Bramall Lane will only be half-full for this Group A dead rubber. There are others, though, who think this is a priceless opportunity for an emerging rugby league nation to test themselves against the best sides and grow the game globally. This is the take of England coach Shaun Wane, who said: ‘To see Greece in this competition is fantastic. It’s really important. It’s great what the World Cup has done to get more eyes on our sport.’ The sport was illegal in Greece until two months ago. A dispute between the Greek government and the governing body meant the team were banned from playing on home soil. To qualify, they had to play Malta in secret in the Athens mountains and only five people knew the location in advance. Other matches were held after midnight or overseas.

Greece coach Steve Georgallis said: ‘Some of the boys have been in courthouses and police stations just for playing rugby league. We would get called to help them with money for a lawyer.’ It is scary to think how many England may score but Greece’s Mitchell Zemptedies said: ‘It’s a bit surreal but we’re putting Greece on the rugby league map.’

Kick-off: 2.30pm, Bramall Lane. TV: LIVE on BBC One.