Playing for those who couldn't: Samrani vows to seize his moment

This one's for you, Dad.

As Eels flyer Jordan Samrani prepares to make his Test debut for Lebanon against the PNG Kumuls on Saturday, his thoughts turn to his family and the unwavering support they have provided on his rugby league journey.

The 24-year-old will reflect on the sacrifices his grandparents made which has enabled him to build a life he knows they would be proud of.  

“All four of my grandparents, from mum's side, and my dad's side, are all from Lebanon. They came over in the 60s," said Samrani, who has chalked up 28 NRL games since debuting in Round 2, 2025.

“They got a boat to Cyprus, my grandfather and my Teta (grandmother) and found their way over to Sydney.

“My grandfather worked two jobs when he came over, just to provide for his family. 

“He then started a good company with his sons and they're in the construction game, they're doing well for themselves. 

“My dad couldn't play rugby league because my grandfather wanted him to work, so my dad let me do what I wanted and let me pursue my dream of playing rugby league, which I’m thankful for.

“My mum took a photo of me before I went to the airport, it was like it was my first high school photo in my Cedars kit. She’s just so excited, my whole family is.” 

For his part, Samrani will try and keep a lid on the emotions so as not to play his game before he even gets onto the field.

“I still have to calm myself down a little bit because I have seen videos and I've heard stories about the PNG crowd and you know they're proud culture as well, which is awesome," he said.

“It's going to be an atmosphere nothing I've experienced before, so I'm very excited.

“Two proud cultures going up against each other. It's going to be good for the fans, good for the game, and anyone watching really."

The fresh-faced Cedars squad are making the most of every moment in camp as they steel themselves to go after their fourth ever victory at a World Cup to go with wins over Ireland and Jamaica in 2022 and France in 2017.

“We’re really connecting on a deeper level already and that's what it’s all about you know," Samrani said.

“Connecting off the field it sort of makes the performance on the field much easier, when you build that trust and connection together.” 

What Michael Cheika's squad lack in experience on the big stage they more than make up for in passion.

"Honestly, I just want to make our country proud. Get some wins. You know when you're winning, everything's better and more fun," Samrani said.

"But regardless whether we win or lose, we know our heritage of Lebanese fans are going to be very happy - they’ll be playing the drums, with their flags, and be out cheering.” 

Lebanon’s second game will be in Sydney, when they take on Tonga in a match-up Samrani has pencilled in for the fans to get around.  

“We've got a lot of Lebanese fans in Sydney and there's a lot of Tongan fans in Sydney as well," he said.

“So, I think it's going to be a red and green sea versus the red and white sea, so it's going to be an atmosphere like no other."