Sunshine Coast player Jordan Meads builds for Greece debut at Rugby League World Cup

A code swap is helping to boost a Coast star’s preparations for the “biggest rugby league moment” of his life.

A surprise code swap is proving to be a refreshing and valuable experience for Coast international Jordan Meads as he prepares for a “David and Goliath” battle on the world stage.

The 29-year-old is poised to captain Greece in their first Rugby League World Cup later this year after tournament organisers last week confirmed the event would go ahead as scheduled in October and November.

The Birtinya resident said it had been “awesome news” and was pleased to have some certainty has he continued to build for the sport’s pinnacle event.

Jordan Meads is building for the Rugby League World Cup in the realm of rugby union with the USC Barbarians. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“I’ve been in close contact with the coach and we’re full steam ahead,” he said.

“I really can’t wait and it’s a long time coming and opportunity for us to showcase our little country on the world stage.

“It’ll certainly be a David and Goliath battle so I'm really excited to see what the experience brings.”

The halfback, who is of Greek descent on his mother’s side, has earned nine caps for the country between 2014-20, eight of which he was captain.

Meads was captain and coach of Beerwah Bulldogs when they won a drought breaking premiership 41 years in the making last year but decided to take a step back in 2021.

“The commitment of captain/coaching a club side was probably a little bit too high capacity going into a world cup,” he said.

“So, I thought now is the perfect time to be a little bit selfish and work on my skills and preparation for what will be the biggest rugby league moment of my life.”

Jordan Meads in action for Beerwah Bulldogs during the Brisbane Division 1 grand final last year.

While he originally intended to quietly plug away with his own training, a promise soon had him back on the field, albeit in a different code.

“ (USC Barbarians) Coach Brad Tronc and I had chats for a couple years and I always promised him that I’d have a game and the week I left Beerwah he texted me,” Meads said.

He joined the Barbarians in the opening round for what he thought would be a one-game deal, but has since played every week for the club.

“I’ve really enjoyed it” Meads said.

“Over the course of 8-9 weeks I’ve got better every game and starting at 10 is a big position and big responsibility but I’m really enjoying every moment.”

Meads said it had helped push his preparations for the rugby league world cup.

“Not just for the fitness side of things but playing at 10 is a fundamental position on the rugby union field,” he said.

“(There’s) a lot of kicking and passing involved and those core skills have been improved on a little and bodes well for world cup progression.

“I’d like to thank the University of Sunshine Coast club, they’ve been absolutely phenomenal helping with preparation and really accommodating.”

Meads said the Greece team would fly to Manchester in the UK on October 15 and spend eight days building ahead of their first game against France on October 25 in Doncaster.

They’ll play Samoa on October 31 and England on November 6.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast player Jordan Meads builds for Greece debut at Rugby League World Cup