Cedars begin World Cup build up with Italy Test
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Lebanon officials are hoping to unearth some new talent for next year's World Cup when a youthful Cedars take on Italy at Lidcombe Oval on October 4.
The match is part of a double-header with Italy and Lebanon's women’s sides, which include NRLW stars Bronte Wilson, Rebecca Pollard, Jamilee McGregor and Salma Nour.
Cedars coach Mick Habib, who was a member of Michael Cheika's coaching staff for the last World Cup in England in 2022, will be assisted by Tyrone McCarthy, Tony Bazouni, Sean Tabet and Richmond Saliba.
“I have been involved with Lebanon since 2017 and we have unearthed some talented players who have gone on and represented Lebanon in the last World Cup," Habib said.
"This group of players have been no different, great men and a pleasure to coach. We know that this group will wear the jersey with pride, and hopefully we can see someone from this team make their way into the World Cup Squad for next year."
Lebanon are one of eight nations qualified for RLWC26, along with Australia, England, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga.
The Cedars have reached the quarter-finals of the last two World Cups, and are expected to again be bolstered by the likes of Mitchell Moses, Jacob Kiraz, Adam Doueihi and Alex Twal for the World Cup.
Cheika will again be involved and is set to work alongside Lebanon assistant Matt King on the Sydney Roosters coaching staff under Trent Robinson next season.
The final two men's berths for the tournament in Australia and Papua New Guinea at the end of next season will be determined in sudden death play-offs.
France host Jamaica in Albi on October 25 and Cook Islands meet South Africa on November 9 at CommBank Stadium as part of a triple-header with the men's and women's Pacific Cup finals.
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The eighth and last women's World Cup berth will be decided at this month's World Series in Canada, with the Ravens hosting Fiji Bulikula and Ireland playing Nigeria in a double-header on October 21.
The winners will play-off for a place at the World Cup on October 26 at Terry Fox Stadium in Brampton, Ontario.
Meanwhile, Italy could hand out up to 12 debuts against Lebanon, with head coach Leo Epifania also keen to look at the next generation of talent available.
“I am sure the match should be a tough encounter with both sides determined to represent their heritage best they can. There is enough up and coming talent to make this a great game,” he said.
Italy women’s team will also face Lebanon, with St George Illawarra Dragons forward Bronte Wilson and Wests Tigers winger Rebecca Pollard in the side.
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Italy coach, Massimo Gregorio has named Helensburgh Tigers’ Nikki Perugini as the inaugural skipper of a team that includes boom St George Illawarra Dragons forward Bronte Wilson and Wests Tigers winger Rebecca Pollard.
“Pulling on the Italian jersey is about more than a game of rugby league, it’s about honouring those who came before us and inspiring the next generation of players to dream big,” Perugini said.
“We can’t wait to take the field for this historic match to showcase the passion, resilience and talent of our Italian women on the international stage.”
Lebanon women’s coach, Sam Sadat, has picked a side that includes Wests Tigers hooker Salma Nour and Dragons forward Jamilee McGregor.
“I am extremely honoured and privileged to lead the Junipers again as we return to international rugby league," Sadat said.
"This represents an incredible opportunity for young Lebanese women to showcase their talent on the world stage and create a lasting legacy for our community.
"Our return marks a new chapter toward potential World Cup qualification in 2028.”
The women's fixture kicks off at 1pm, with the men's match to follow.
Lebanon Cedars (squad)
Ibrahim El Cheikh, Ibrahim El Labban (Blacktown Workers), Moustafa Dirani (Cronulla), Daniel Ahmed Arahu (Glebe), Mikael Ibrahim (Gold Coast Titans), Joshua Maree, Kade Moujalli (Hills District), Jonathan Ibrahim, (Manly Jersey Flegg) Hussen Said (Manly S G Ball), AJ (Abdallah Jacob) El-Ters, Mohamed Hadid, Ayman Maarbani (Moorebank), Mohamed Alameddine (Parramatta), Bilal El-Youseff (Ryde Eastwood Ron Massey Cup), Zachariah Nachar (St George Jersey Flegg), Xavier Ndaira (St George S G Ball), James Khoo (Sydney Roosters Jersey Flegg), Yeyha Ayache (South Sydney Jersey Flegg), Elias Abou-Mrad (Wentworthville).
Italy Men (squad)
James Borges (Blacktown Workers Rugby League Club), Massimo Mari (Bondi United), Damon Potts (Camden Rams), Jack Piccirilli (Dapto Canaries RLFC), Marco Moretti (Glebe Dirty Reds), Luke Wakefield (Hills Bulls), Nick Lenaz (North Qld Cowboys), Adrian Yenco (Marconi Stallions), Bryce Magnone (Shellharbour Sharks RLFC), Joel Saldeneri (St Marys Saints), Vince Romeo (Thirlmere Tahmoor Roosters), George Stamatatos (Ryde Eastwood RLFC), Aaron Carbonaro, Jayden Carbonaro, (Warringah Rugby Club), Zachary Farrugia (Wentworthville Magpies), Jackson Lenzo (Western Clydesdales), Lenny Plati (West Tigers Jersey Flegg RLFC), Dominic Biondi (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Noah De Molan (Young Cherrypickers RLFC).
Lebanon Junipers (squad)
Kenzie Moujalli (All Saints Toongabbie tigers) Monica Dann , Eleni El Azar (Cabramatta Rugby League), Amirah El-Abdallah, Namoe Gesa (Brisbane Tigers), Sienna Deeley,Taylor Moussa (Central Coast Roosters), Antoinette Doueihi, Debbie Doueihi (Parramatta Eels), Amira Hamid (Penshurst ), Amal Dandan, Dalia Nabhan, Amelia Semrani, Myah Tumupu, Priscilla Younes, (St George Dragons), Safa LaaLaa, Jamilee McGregor ( St George Illawarra Dragons), Sienna Ibrahim (Souths Logan Magpies), Ebonie Moses, (West Newcastle Rosella) Salma Nour (Wests Tigers).
Italy Women (squad)
Amali Ahmet (All Saints Toongabbie), Kiara Barnes (Briars Rugby Union), ), Ashleigh Maiuri (Brisbane Tigers), Kayla Fleming (Burleigh Bears), Takira Gaspari, Sofia Osman (Gungahlin Bulls), Nikki Perugini (Helensburgh Tigers), Grace Giampino (Newcastle Knights), Brandy Yallop (Northern Pride), Marissa Acquasanta, Rhiannon Gregorio, Tanaya Iraia, Brielle Luccitti, Deborah Wilson (Mounties), Josephine Lenaz (Parramatta Eels), Abbey Krzanic, Bronte Wilson (St George Dragons), Rebecca Pollard (Wests Tigers), Hanna Krzanic (Valley Diehards).
