Norway made their U19s debut away to Czechia at RLC Slavia Hradec Králové in a game which served up excitement throughout for both sides’ young international stars.

Norway were out of the blocks first with Arian Harbas crossing after just three minutes and Sander Milligan racing in five minutes later. They were pinned back by Václav Grohman who found his way to the line for the home side, before Tarjei Håberg opened the gap again in a display which also saw him kick three from six of his conversion attempts. Patrik Kmínek added a further score for Czechia to keep them in touch 12-16 at the break.

Norway stretched their legs in the second half with Dag Hansen, Håberg and Milligan all scoring within a ten-minute period leading up to the hour mark to seal the win, with Matěj Schejbal adding a late consolation score for the Czechs, with Tobiáš Heřman posting a two from three record with the boot. 

Tim Jones, Norway U19s Head Coach: “The game was really enjoyable although there were a few errors. The Czechs played some great Rugby League but we beat them with heart and desire and gave the game a real go. I asked all the players to leave everything they had on the field and they did that, knowing they had done their best and they did just that!”