RUGBY LEAGUE
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DON’T mention the war!
That might be the cry at Glen Innes later in the year when its “German” star Jeff Moate returns to Mead Park.
Moate has been named in the train-on squad for Germany as it prepares for this year’s European Shield.
The Mullumbimby local, who played in Glen Innes’s last two premierships in 2012 and 2010, has been playing in the French league for Racing Club Lescure Arthes XIII alongside another Magpie from last year, Adam Shaw.
The big backrower qualifies for Germany via the heritage rule and could line up against Serbia on May 18 if he is part of the team for that game, but there may also be a warm-up game against the Netherlands before that.
His Glen coach Dale Keegan had a bit of a chuckle about his new international star.
“He’s half German,” Keegan said.
“I don’t know exactly where the German heritage comes from but he did tell me he’s playing for them.”
Moate should be on his way back to the Magpies once the French domestic season finishes in a few weeks.
But he might have to fit in a game for the Germans first.
“He’s coming back after that game (against Serbia),” Keegan said.
“I didn’t even know they played.”
The European Shield is a four-team round-robin tournament, with Russia and Italy also included.
The Germans aren’t exactly known for their rugby league prowess but, with a few players from France, England and Australia included in the squad, they might give those pesky Serbians, Italians and Russians a run for their money.
Apparently there is a bit of rivalry between those countries.
Something to do with history.