Jamaica to face Greece in World Cup warm-up match

Drew Darbyshire
Jamaica in action in 2019

Jamaica team after their clash with England Knights at Headingley in 2019

World Cup debutants Jamaica and Greece will come up against each other for the first time in a warm-up test ahead of the tournament getting underway.

The nations will meet on Friday, October 15, at Castleford’s Mend-A-Hose Jungle and the match will also be played as a testimonial for Castleford and Jamaica player Jordan Turner.

Turner said: “After playing for five great Super League clubs, as well as Canberra in the Australian NRL, it was really difficult to choose where I’d play the game and who would be the opposition.

“This year is so special to me not least that we all have the World Cup to look forward to; it will be a huge celebration for the sport.

“I am so proud and passionate about pulling on the black, green and gold of Jamaica as we make history at the tournament, and to get the chance to celebrate my testimonial with an international fixture really is a dream come true.

“Everyone at Castleford has been amazing with me since I joined the club and the fact that I get to play my testimonial in front of the amazing Cas fans – and hopefully those who have supported me at all the teams I’ve played for – will mean so much. I hope they’ll all enjoy a flavour of Jamaican and Greek culture at the game.”

Jamaica faced England Knights at Headingley in 2019

Jamaica national head coach Romeo Monteith said: “We are excited and honoured to play Greece in our 2021RLWC warm-up game.

“Both nations have been on an incredible journey to earn their place in the tournament and this is a fitting match up. We are further pleased to be able to support Jordan in his much-deserved testimonial and we encourage everyone to come out and support the event.”

Steve Georgallis, who is in charge of Greece, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for rugby league’s two newcomers in the World Cup to have the opportunity to promote their incredible stories prior to the start of the tournament.

“To play against Jamaica showcases how far the international game has developed and we hope to see many fans at the game to cheer on both nations.”

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