Lebanon will seek its fourth World Cup victory against the PNG Kumuls on Saturday, after wins over Ireland and Jamaica in 2022 and France in 2017.
Eels winger Jordan Samrani, 24, is preparing for his Test debut after making 28 NRL appearances since debuting in Round 2, 2025.
He said all four of his grandparents came from Lebanon and arrived in Sydney in the 1960s, travelling by boat to Cyprus first.
Samrani said his grandfather worked two jobs to support his family, then started a construction company with his sons.
His father had been unable to play rugby league because his own father expected him to work.
Samrani said, "my dad let me do what I wanted and let me pursue my dream of playing rugby league, which I'm thankful for."
His mother photographed him in his Cedars kit before he left for the tournament, and he said his family was excited.
Samrani is trying to manage his emotions as he anticipates the PNG crowd and an atmosphere unlike anything he has experienced.
"It's going to be an atmosphere nothing I've experienced before, so I'm very excited," he said.
He called the contest "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."
Samrani said Lebanon's players were building trust and connection in camp, and he hoped to make the country proud and secure wins.
Lebanon's second match is against Tonga in Sydney, where Samrani expects strong support from both communities and a "red and green sea versus the red and white sea".