LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Ukraine officials are hopeful that Australian-based player Jett Cleary will make his Test debut in the European Championships, joining his cousin Phoenix Death in representing their country of heritage.
Cleary, whose brother Nathan is also a rugby league star, qualifies for Ukraine through their maternal grandmother Marie, as do the Death brothers, Phoenix and Cruz.
Other NRL players eligible for Ukraine include the Hromow brothers, Owen and Yuri.
Despite facing numerous challenges since Russia's invasion in 2022, Ukrainian Rugby League president Artur Martyrosian has managed to keep the game alive domestically and is now looking to introduce a wheelchair competition.
The national team has relied on heritage players to compete in various tournaments, including World Cup qualifiers.
Coach Dan Beardshaw is in discussions with Cleary about joining the team, hoping to boost their chances in the upcoming European Championships.
The report highlights the resilience of Ukrainian rugby league despite the difficult circumstances, with Martyrosian dedicated to keeping the sport alive in the country.
The inclusion of players like Cleary and the Death brothers, who have strong ties to Ukraine through their family heritage, is seen as a positive step for the national team.
Martyrosian's efforts to expand the game by introducing a wheelchair competition demonstrate his commitment to growing rugby league in Ukraine despite the ongoing challenges.
Overall, Ukraine's rugby league team is facing the odds with determination and perseverance.
The potential addition of players like Cleary and the Death brothers could provide a significant boost to the team's performance in international competitions.
Martyrosian's initiatives to keep the game alive and introduce new competitions show a strong commitment to the sport's development in Ukraine, even in the face of adversity.