Lebanon's 24-20 win over France produced one of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup's most compelling finishes.
Neither side was chasing a place in the finals, but both wanted a first win and greater recognition in the sport.
The match illustrated the case for more teams and more games between emerging Rugby League nations, rather than sending them straight against established powers.
The tournament drew record-breaking audiences and passionate crowds, while memorable moments reflected international Rugby League's growing appeal.
Yet I found the competition format deeply unsatisfying. A 10-team field weakened the contest and created more scope for lopsided scores.
England's criticism was understandable: after its opening match, it was effectively out of contention.
Even if qualification remained mathematically possible, fans want fairness, excitement and compelling stories, not calculations.