Lebanon have five homegrown players in their World Cup squad

FOR the homegrown players in the Lebanon Rugby League World Cup team, making the squad is the “pinnacle of their lives”

THESE are the homegrown Lebanese World Cup minnows ready to reach the “pinnacle of their lives.”

The Daily Telegraph tracked down the five Lebanon-based players who have travelled to Australia for rugby league’s World Cup.

While most other Cedars will come from the Australian rugby league system, these five are home grown from the domestic Lebanese competition.

Meet Ali Abou Arabi, a utility player from Lala who plays for LaTripoli RLFC.

Imad Chidiac, a utility from Bikfaya who represents Immortals RLFC.

Raymond Sabat, an outside back from Hadchit who plays for Lycans FC.

Wael Harb, a front tower from Nehla who plays for Lycans FC.

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(L-R) Wael Harb, Imad Chidiac, Ali Abou Arabi, Toufic El Hage, Raymond Sabat Members of the Lebanon Rugby League World Cup squad. Picture by Damian Shaw

And Toufic El Hage, a front-row/second-rower from Aintoura who represents Wolves RLFC.

“This is a very big thing for these players,” said Lebanon Rugby League chief executive Remond Safi.

“The pinnacle of their lives I think.

“The club level back in Lebanon, some of the players could play Ron Massey Cup. This will be a very good experience for them.

“They will be part of the squad to gain experience which they can take back home ... to take their game to a different level.

“This World Cup will help them understand the level we are trying to reach back home.

“They will share an experience together, live, breath and train every single moment like an NRL player.”

Some have come through Lebanon’s youth program, others through the local university system.

The full Brad Fittler-coached Lebanon squad will be named on Thursday night in Sydney with star South Sydney Rabbitoh Robbie Farah to again play a key role.

Chris Saab is part of the Lebanon World Cup squad. Picture by Damian Shaw

Parramatta’s Tim Mannah and Canterbury’s Michael Lichaa will be other Lebanon squad members.

Another popular squad member will be Chris Saab, who plays for Guildford in Sydney’s west.

“He is very experienced,” said Fittler. “Chris goes above and beyond.”

“If a love for the game has any bearing on results at this World Cup then the Lebanese team will not go away empty-handed.”

Originally published as Lebanon have five homegrown players in their World Cup squad