'That's the culture I identify with': Saab keen to represent Cedars

Sea Eagles flier Jason Saab has revealed an ambition to honour his father and grandparents by representing Lebanon at Rugby League World Cup 2026.

Saab, whose genetic father is Nigerian, was raised by his mother Alysia and stepfather Pierre, who introduced him to rugby league with Merrylands Rams and has been his biggest supporter as he progressed to the NRL ranks as a teenager.

After marrying Alysia when Jason was just two years old, Pierre is the man Saab considers to be his father and the 25-year-old identifies with the Lebanese culture he grew up with.

Having adopted Pierre’s surname, Saab wants to play for the Cedars at RLWC2026 and is a member of the Michael Cheika-coached Lebanon team’s chat group, which includes Wests Tigers stars Adam Doueihi and Alex Twal, Bulldogs back Jacob Kiraz and Eels halfback Mitchell Moses.

“Without getting too far ahead of myself, that's a serious option to play for Lebanon,” Saab said. “To represent my dad and my grandparents, especially, who are the reason I play footy, would mean a lot to me.

“I love that side of my family – the Saab family - and that culture, so if the opportunity is there at the end of the season, if I’m healthy and that's an option, then I'll definitely take it and I’d be very proud to represent the Cedars.”

Saab, who is one of the fastest players in the NRL, was set to play for Lebanon under Cheika at the last World Cup in England in 2022, but injury ended his hopes.

The Cedars haven’t played a Test since and will rely on Australian-based players for their upcoming World Cup campaign, which kicks off against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on October 17 before back-to-back games at CommBank Stadium against Tonga on October 23 and France on November 1.

An application to International Rugby League for Saab to be cleared to play for Lebanon had been prepared and will now be submitted.

“We have been through the process four years ago and if I have the opportunity to play for Lebanon, I'll be very, very grateful to do the Saab side of my family proud,” said Saab, who represented the Prime Minister's XIII in 2025.

“I have a very mixed cultural identity but that is the culture I identify with and I lean into,” Saab said.

“When I was a bit younger, I thought maybe it didn't feel right if I was taking another Lebanese player’s spot, with my unique situation.

“However, the Lebanese community have taken me in and that's the culture I really identify with, other than being Australian, so I am sure Lebanese supporters will be proud to call me their own.”