Serbia has included three debutants in their 22-man squad for the forthcoming 2017 Rugby League World Cup European Pool A Qualifiers against Wales and Italy. Wests Tigers’ Daniel Burke, alongside Jordan Grant and James Mirceski are included, together with stalwart 2011 debutant Ilija Radan who played in the qualifiers for the 2013 World Cup.
“After thorough consideration, this squat is the best we currently have available,” said recently appointed coach, Ljubomir Bukvić from Belgrade, where the squad are in camp before travelling to Wales in a week’s time. We have been working for almost a year drafting heritage players for this historic first ever chance to get into the World Cup.
“Some were part of our Australian tour squad, earlier this year, but we also have some debutantes coming in who will bring more experience to our core players from domestic clubs.”
Dalibor Vukanović again captains the side and former junior European judo champion Vladica Nikolić, who currently plays for Villeneuve in French Elite 1, is also included.
SRLF general secretary Slobodan Manak, added: “We would like to thank all our heritage players for their desire to represent Serbia, and their backing in our quest to be a part of the rugby league elite. We are more than satisfied with our current selection and we know that our squad will represent Serbia with pride and passion.”
Serbia 22-Man Squad
David Andjelić (Blacktown St Patrick’s), Reece Grkinić (Cabramatta), Daniel Burke (Collegians), Jason Muranka (Dewsbury Rams), Dalibor Samardžić, Dalibor Vukanović, Stefan Nedeljković, Stevan Stevanović (Dorćol), Joshua Marjanović (Kawana Dolphins), Džavid Jašari, Vlado Kušić (Partizan), Pero Madžarević, Žarko Kovačević (Radnički Nova Pazova), Miloš Ćalić, Miloš Zogović, Vladislav Dedić, Vojislav Dedić (Red Star Belgrade), Chad Grant (St Clair Comets), Vladica Nikolić (Villeneuve XIII Leopards), James Mirceski (Western Suburbs Magpies), Jordan Grant (Wests Tigers), Ilija Radan (unaffiliated)
