In less than favourable weather, Czechia and Norway made their U16s debuts in a 9-aside game played over the course of an hour at RLC Slavia Hradec Králové.

The game, dominated in the early stages by the Czechs swung the way of the Norwegians who grew in confidence as the game progressed.

Theodor Eidsaune Chongdee and Joshua Silverstone-Utheim were the standouts for the visitors who both recorded a hat-trick during the game.

But it was an occasion where the main achievement was the staging of the game itself and the winner was Rugby League as the two nations added an important run to their ladder of youth development. 

Tomáš Valenta, Czechia U16s Head Coach noted: "We went into the match with great expectations, but certainly not without humility. We had a very good feeling after the first part, and maybe the result seemed clear to some players. However, insufficiently emphatic disposals and, at times, hasty handling of the ball took the victory away from us. But we are not hanging our heads - we are learning from our mistakes and are already planning continued national team training and other matches as soon as possible. The boys want to play and have an appetite for rugby league like no other. We look forward to a possible rematch and further experience."

Tim Jones, Norway U16s Head Coach added: “It was fantastic having two sides giving their all. The experience the boys have gained from this game ahs been huge and whilst we are pleased to have taken the win, the real winner today was Rugby League.”