Lebanon Name World Cup Squad as Saab Gets His Shot After Doueihi and Moses Blow

Lebanon have finally locked in their squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, confirming a 23-player group led by veteran Michael Cheika after being granted a one-day extension to the naming deadline. The big talking point is a double blow in the halves: Eels playmaker Mitchell Moses and Wests Tigers star Adam Doueihi — arguably Lebanon's two most accomplished players — are both unavailable, forcing the Cedars to reshape their spine just days out from the tournament. There is consolation in the form of Jason Saab. The Manly speedster, who crossed for 15 tries in 23 appearances this NRL season including a hat-trick against the Wests Tigers at Magic Round, is set to make his Lebanon debut after an ACL injury cruelly denied him the chance in 2022. Representing the Cedars honours the family culture he grew up in under stepfather Pierre Saab. Brisbane youngster Tupou Francis has pledged his allegiance to Lebanon despite being eligible for Australia, New Zealand, France and Tonga, while Bulldogs star Jacob Kiraz, veteran Abbas Miski and Wests Tigers prop Alex Twal add NRL pedigree to a squad light on full-time professionals. Lebanon open their campaign against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on October 17 before facing Tonga and France, chasing a repeat of the quarter-final run that made the Cedars the darlings of 2017.