The Macedonian Rugby League team have their sights set on the 2025 Rugby League World Cup and they’ve got an NRL premiership-winning coach and captain on board to guide them.

Of course, there’s still a couple of obstacles to tackle before the World Cup is in reach, but the Macedonian Lions took a major step last weekend when they played their first-ever game.

The Lions took on Central Coast’s Tall Timbers at Leichhardt Oval last Sunday. They lost by a penalty goal, much to the dismay of assistant coach Paul Gallen.

“Andrew Fifita was the opposition trainer and I said to him ‘mate you can’t take the two, it’s a trial game’,” Gallen told foxsports.com.au.

“I’ve got to say though, I was pleasantly surprised,” he added.

“Andrew and I had a bit of a bet before the game — he obviously won the bet because (his team) won the game. I was a little bit concerned about how they would go.

“But I was pleasantly surprised. The first team that was on up until half time were pretty good.”

Gallen had no choice but to jump on board after finding out Shane Flanagan was Macedonia’s head coach. The two led the Sharks to their maiden NRL premiership in 2016.

Now the duo are preparing a group of passionate players for the 2023 European Championship.

The details of the competition will be announced next week, but Macedonia know they are in Pool D. They also know what’s on the line.

If they win they’ll become a tier two nation and be promoted to Pool B. The winners also proceed to the official qualification tournament for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup.

“Macedonia want to be that last nation that comes into a World Cup one day. That’s the end goal. The first goal is the win their pool in the European Cup and become a tier two nation,” Gallen said.

While the coaching staff are hopeful a few NRL players will jump on board, they’re thrilled with the response from the Macedonian rugby league community.