'We're going to be dangerous': Kiraz keen for Cedars No.1 jersey

Lebanon coach Michael Cheika can expect some phone calls soon from Bulldogs stat Jacob Kiraz, who wants to reprise his World Cup efforts of four years ago when he played all three games for the Cedars at fullback.

To be fair it might be Cheika calling Kiraz, who has been a revelation in the No.1 jersey for Canterbury after returning from a month on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Kiraz topped the metres count against Melbourne with 297m off 31 runs, including 105 kick-return metres, and repeated the feat against Wests Tigers last week, running a game high 287m with the ball.

In his previous four seasons at the Bulldogs Kiraz had played just three matches at fullback, with the majority on the wing and a smattering in the centres.

“I know what my strengths are and that’s my running game," Kiraz said.

And that’s a trait that will make Cheika’s eyes light up as he formulates his team for Lebanon’s first World Cup 2026 assignment against the PNG Kumuls at home in Port Moresby on Saturday October 17.

The following statement might also help.

“Do I want to be back with Lebanon for another World Cup? One hundred per cent,” Kiraz said.

“I definitely want to play for Lebanon at the end of the year, if I get picked.

“I’d like to be fullback again but I want to have some conversations with Michael Cheika to see where he needs me.

“Hopefully we get Mitch (Moses) to come back from Australia and of course Adam Doueihi, as well, who’s killing it this year.

“We’re going to look pretty dangerous this year so I can’t wait for that.

“It was one of best moments of my life playing in the 2022 World Cup so I’m keen to do it again.”

Kiraz was also keen to be part of the State of Origin conversation again after being on the extended bench for Games Two and Three last year.

He had dealt with a hip injury ahead of Game One last year and this year his knee forced him out of the last four games for the Bulldogs (Rounds 8-11) before NSW coach Laurie Daley picked his team.

“You always want to play for your state and I guess last year was the same when I got injured right before,” Kiraz said.

“To be fair I believe everything happens for a reason so whatever the future holds."