RLWC2021 – Lebanon v Ireland: Team news, how to watch on TV & predictions
Everything you need to know – Lebanon v Ireland
Lebanon put in a spirited performance against heavy hitters New Zealand last time out. The Cedars fell to a 34-12 defeat to the Kiwis in Warrington.
Lebanon boast plenty of NRL talent in their squad, featuring the likes of Mitchell Moses, Jacob Kiraz, Josh Mansour and Adam Doueihi, although they will be the latter due to suspension after being sent off in last week’s loss for dissent.
Meanwhile, Ireland enjoyed an emphatic 48-2 victory over World Cup debutants Jamaica at Headingley. It was an impressive performance from Ged Corcoran’s side, with captain George King scoring in what was his 200th career appearance.
Here’s everything you need to know about the match…
Match details
- Lebanon v Ireland
- Date: Sunday, October 23
- Kick-off time: 2:30pm
- Venue: Leigh Sports Village
- Group C
Lebanon v Ireland team news
Lebanon 19-man squad: 1 Jacob Kiraz, 2 Josh Mansour, 3 Bilal Maarbani, 4 Brad Morkos, 5 Abbas Miski, 7 Mitchell Moses, 8 Kayne Kalache, 9 Michel Tannous, 10 Hanna El-Nachar, 11 Eelie El-Zakhem, 12 Charbel Tasipale, 13 James Roumanos, 14 Anthony Layoun, 15 Andrew Kazzi, 16 Reece Robinson, 17 Jalal Bazzaz, 18 Khaled Rajeb, 19 Khalil Rahme, 20 Jaxson Rahme.
Ireland 19-man squad: 1 Richie Myler, 2 Innes Senior, 3 Toby King, 4 Ed Chamberlain, 6 Luke Keary, 7 Joe Keyes, 8 Liam Byrne, 9 Josh Cook, 10 Jaimin Jolliffe, 11 James Bentley, 12 Frankie Halton, 13 George King, 14 Brendan O’Hagan, 15 Robbie Mulhern, 16 Harry Rushton, 19 Ronan Michael, 20 Louis Senior, 22 James Hasson, 24 Dan Norman.
What the two camps are saying
Ireland half-back Luke Keary said: “I’m looking forward to them getting a bit of a test this weekend and then obviously that big test, the last one against New Zealand. It’s definitely must win, we need to win two out of three to get through so it’s a massive one.”
Lebanon coach Michael Cheika said: “I’m always a believer. You don’t get involved in a team if you don’t believe in what the possibilities are and what the capabilities are. And then you try and get them to do a little bit more than that. I think that’s the key, trying to get them to learn a little bit more about themselves.”
How can I watch the game on TV?
BBC Two from 2pm | BBC iPlayer
Every game across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair World Cup tournaments is being broadcast by the BBC.
READ: How to watch every Rugby League World Cup game on the BBC
Odds and predictions
Ireland head into the game as slight favourites according to bookmakers Planet Sport Bet, who have them priced at 8/13.
If you fancy an underdog, Lebanon are 6/4 to claim the win and progress through to the quarter-finals.
I reckon this will be one of the closest games of the tournament. It’ll be interesting to see the key battle between Luke Keary and Mitchell Moses, but I think Ireland will come away with the win.
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