John Skandalis (born 16 June 1976 in Sydney, New South Wales) is an Australian former professional rugby league player. He played for the Western Suburbs Magpies, Wests Tigers and Huddersfield Giants. He primarily played at prop forward.
Playing career
Skandalis was the last original Western Suburbs player left remaining at the Wests Tigers club after the merger in 2000. He signed on for the Magpies in the early 90's after playing out his junior years with the Minto Cobras and was awarded his first grade debut in the 1996 season in round 9 on 17 May against the Penrith Panthers.
Skandalis is known for his workhorse attitude and his never say die approach to rugby league and as the years have progressed his performances gradually caught the attention of representative selectors.citation needed This was seen in both the 2002 and 2004 seasons where Skandalis was dually awarded with his first representative call up for City team in the annual City v. Country fixture.
In the 2005 NRL, season Skandalis was a part of the Wests Tigers team, who won the NRL Premiership Grand Final on 2 October 2005. Many saw him as one of the best prop forwards in the country at the time and this left many disappointed that he was omitted from the Australian Rugby League side.citation needed
On 14 June 2006, Skandalis signed a two year contract to play in Super League (Europe) with the Huddersfield Giants, starting from the 2007 season.
In 2008, Skandalis was made vice-captain of the squad, alongside Ryan Hudson. He led the team out against Wigan when regular captain Chris Thorman was injured and was proved a hit amongst spectators.
Skandalis returns to Australia at the end of the 2008 season following a knee injury, picked up early in the season, which prevented him from participating further. Skandalis has taken up a post with West Tigers Youth Development.[1] But is still keen to play if possible.
His Greek heritage makes him eligible to represent Greece, which he has done as captain of the side.
References
External links
|
