'We're passionate people': The Lebanese values driving Tigers resurgence
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Three of the Wests Tigers biggest names have united to inspire the next generation of Lebanese players to chase their NRL dreams.
Adam Doueihi, Alex Twal and Tony Sukkar are among a cohort of players around the league to proudly fly the country's flag at the elite level.
Around the league, Eels pair Mitchell Moses and Jordan Samrani, Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz and Cronulla youngster Michael Gabrael are also of Lebanese heritage.
Adam Doueihi seals it for the Wests Tigers
Lebanese communities have long boasted some of the most passionate fans in the game, but Doueihi is eager to help develop young supporters into NRL players.
"The boys we've got now in first grade are great role models for the younger kids coming through," Doueihi told NRL.com. "Players like Jacob Kiraz, Jordan Samrani and Mitch Moses are good guys off the field and that translates to good footy on the field.
"It's good for the younger generation of Australian Lebanese kids to come through and see how we act in the first-grade arena. Hopefully it's something they can aspire to be and fingers crossed over the next few years we'll see a lot more Lebanese kids come through."
Match: Rabbitohs v Wests Tigers
Round 3 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
8th Position
away Team
Wests Tigers
6th Position
Venue: Polytec Stadium, Gosford
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
The Tigers trio will celebrate their heritage on Saturday night when they face South Sydney in a Multicultural Round clash in Gosford.
Benji Marshall's side is riding high after a dominant victory over the Cowboys last week and they are chasing a second-straight win to climb the ladder.
After a number of lean years, there is optimism the Tigers have turned the corner and a finals finish is within reach this season.
The club has long boasted one of the most passionate and diverse fanbases in the league and players have already noticed more supporters emerge in the days following last week's win.
What Multicultural Round means to us
The diversity of the playing group reflects the regions the team represents and Doueihi praised Marshall's ability to unite multiple different cultures around a shared goal.
"Benji recognises there a lot of different cultures in our team," Doueihi said. "He gets around us Lebanese boys, loves our culture and embraces it, which makes us feel welcome here.
"Benji leads us and is great at driving that unity within the team."
A quick glance around the league highlights how much Sydney's Lebanese communities have embraced the sport.
The Tigers, Bulldogs and Eels all boast a strong contingent of Lebanese fans. Their passion and vocal support for their teams is impossible to miss and brings a unique character to rugby league.
The nation's fans are also expected to turn out in force during this year's World Cup, with Lebanon to play Tonga and France at CommBank Stadium in Western Sydney.
Classic World Cup plays: Lebanon's magic against Tonga
Twal said the passion is developed from a young age and quickly develops into a deep love for the for the game.
"Rugby league is what brings everyone together," Twal said. "So many of us have so much interest in the game.
"Growing up, it made up our weekends and it's all we ever talked about when we went to school. They get behind us now and make sure we feel their support."
Doueihi agrees and said the support reflects Lebanese values of commitment and dedication.
"We're passionate people us Lebanese," Doueihi said. "We're hard-working people and we love competing. No matter whether we're working a normal job or playing sport, hard work and competing is built in all Lebanese people.
"Rugby league's something they love and thrive off and they get into it so it's good to see the support. The support for us three boys here at the Tigers and all the Lebanese boys in the NRL is unbelievable and great to experience."
No discussion of Lebanese culture would be complete without mentioning the nation's iconic food.
Lebanese chicken shops have popped up around the country and enjoyed fervent support well beyond traditional markets.
The best of Moses and Doueihi
The mainstream popularity of Lebanese cuisine comes as no surprise to those who consume it on a regular basis and Doueihi said food plays a crucial role in bringing people together.
"Like every Lebanese house, we're very generous and welcoming," Doueihi said. "Food brings us together and the door is always open in Lebanese households.
"The traits I love about us is our generosity and how welcoming we can be as a community. Food is at the centre of that and brings everyone together."
