Lebanon’s World Cup nine’s spot in doubt as Josh Mansour breaks silence on ban
Josh Mansour is the first Lebanon star to speak out after 17 players were banned — and the Penrith Panthers winger is not happy.
NRL
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Lebanon’s place at the end-of-season world nines tournament is at risk, with star Josh Mansour seriously considering stepping aside from his ambassador role.
Mansour was one of 17 players sanctioned by the Lebanese Rugby League Federation last week, the Panthers flyer suspended until he faces a misconduct panel.
But Mansour had already agreed with the NRL to promote and play for Lebanon at the Nines World Cup in October.
Lebanon face the prospect of being axed from the 12-team tournament unless they can find a peaceful resolution between its board and players.
High-profile players including Mansour, Mitchell Moses, Tim Mannah, Michael Lichaa, Abbas Miski and Adam Doueihi have been axed.
Robbie Farah has also been hit with a breach notice but he has retired from international football. Mansour is the first player to discuss the crisis since being suspended.
“As it stands, I can’t see a team playing at the nines,” Mansour said. “We can’t play, anyway. We are all suspended. I don’t know where they will pick their players from. I know none of the players support the board.
“I can’t see the world nines being successful for Lebanon with the way everything stands. I’m an ambassador for the tournament and have put my hand up to play. It’s made me question if I want to.
“I keep telling myself I’m not playing for the board but I’m playing for my friends and family. If it means I have to send a big message and make a big sacrifice and not playing, then I’m willing to do it.
“I can’t even make that sacrifice at the moment because I’m suspended.”
The NRL — not the International Rugby League Federation — is running the two-day tournament at Bankwest Stadium. The Kangaroos will field their strongest squad, with coach Mal Meninga planning to hand the likes of Kalyn Ponga and Josh Addo-Carr their first Australian jumpers.
Mansour and the rest of the players have until Wednesday to email a submission to the Lebanese federation.
Originally published as Lebanon’s World Cup nine’s spot in doubt as Josh Mansour breaks silence on ban
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