Norge RL has announced the squad to play in their inaugural youth international, with their U19s set to face Serbia U18s on 7 May in Nannestad, 60km north of Oslo.
Chairman Lee Johnson said: “We are really looking forward to this landmark event. Over four years, we have focused on sustainability of clubs and growing the number of players. In the past year, we have had an influx of junior players. What better way for them to show how far they have come on, than starting the country’s first junior rugby league national team. We see this as a great opportunity between two young nations in the sport, to build up confidence and game time. The future is brighter with the prospect of these kids progressing in sport and, no matter the outcome, we are sure that 34 juniors will leave wanting more. This is a new chapter in rugby league in Norway.”
Norway captain, Lucas Zuniga added: “Rugby league is a young sport in our country and we are ready to make a statement that the junior team is here to stay. Although the players in our team are new, we are strong and confident. We are looking forward to a great game where fair play comes first.”
Three players are selected from local club Nannestad Norsemen, whilst Kristian Hilton is flying in from Saddleworth Rangers in England.
The Serbians are led by coach Admir Hadzic, who guided their U21s to victory over the Czech Republic last year. “This Test Match is important for us because we need continuity with our international youth programme,” he said. “It is going to be a good preparation for our boys for the tournaments we will have this summer and next year.”
Their skipper Vladimir Milutinovic has even more to look forward to, having been offered a trial by Toulouse in June. “This is a new group and experience for us,” he noted. “I know that the boys are ready to give their best and show some quality.”
NORWAY U19 SQUAD
Aksel Søttar Gjertveit, Håvard Ingemann Hansen, Bendik Trones, Runar Østbye Walnum, Lucas Zuniga (Bodø Barbarians), Sebastian Jakobsen (Farsund Bobcats), Jon Håkon Olsen (Kragerø Rugby Klubb), Svenn Randmael (Lillestrøm Lions), August Tærud Aamodt, Sjur Martin Kleppan, August Saltnes (Nannestad Norsemen), Lage Kamfjord (Oslo Capitales), Kristian Hilton (Saddleworth Rangers), Giorgio Salvemini (Sagene Rugby Klubb), Martin Wengstad (Sparbu Lumberjacks), Casper Spencer (Stavanger Storm), Ole Magnus Brekk (Trondheim Rugby Klubb)
SERBIA U18 SQUAD
Mihailo Poštić, Miloš Tasić (Dorćol RLFC); Stefan Cvetkovic (Falcon Vranje RLFC); Ivan Andrić, Marko Jakovljević, Mihailo Tomić, Vuk Tomić (Novi Beograd RLFC); Mihailo Ilić, Stevan Ivanković, Vladimir Milutinović (c), Toplica Ristić (Partisan RLFC); Dragan Djuric (Radnicki Nova Pazova RLFC); Miša ÄŒubanović, Ilija Krstić, Rajko Trifunović (Red Star RLFC); Marko Makera, Veljko Stanković (Tzar Dušan Mighty RLFC - Paraćin).