Lebanon's World Cup halves depleted

Lebanon confirm Rugby League World Cup squad

Lebanon open their 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on October 17.

They meet Tonga in Parramatta on October 23, then play France there on November 1.

The Cedars will be without Mitchell Moses, who chose to represent Australia, and injured half Adam Doueihi.

Their back five will need to provide attacking spark and metres, though several positions remain unsettled.

Jacob Kiraz is expected to play fullback, giving Lebanon a chance to keep the ball in his hands.

At the Bulldogs, Kiraz has established himself as an elite winger, but he can handle the number-one role.

If Kiraz is unavailable, Mohamed Alameddine is the likeliest replacement.

Jason Saab is set to debut for Lebanon on the wing, while Super League player Abbas Miski is expected on the opposite flank.

The forward pack is less familiar, but Lebanon still have plenty of hard-hitting ability.

Lebanon reached the quarter-finals in 2021, their second consecutive appearance at that stage.

With no eight-team knockout stage this time, they could fall short or progress further under coaches Michael Cheika and Matt King.

Both were part of the Sydney Roosters staff that won this year's NRL premiership.

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