Lebanon v Malta: Squads confirmed for mid-season test
Lebanon and Malta have both named their squads for their upcoming mid-season international clash in Australia.
The sides will be competing for the Elias-Fenech Trophy when they meet at Canterbury’s Belmore Sport’s Ground on Wednesday 22 June.
It will mark the beginning of the mid-season international fixture programme in the southern hemisphere.
Both nations have named 19-man squads for the clash, which will see Lebanon head coach Michael Cheika take charge of the nation for the first time. He has picked nine potential debutants, including Danny Ghantos on his home ground and Penrith Panthers youngster Hanna El Nachar. The experienced Travis brothers in Reece and Travis have also been included.
Once again, Barrow’s Jarrod Sammut headlines Malta’s squad. The half-back recently inspired the side to a 66-6 victory over Montenegro, racking up 30 individual points.
The 35-year-old scored a hat-trick and kicked nine goals as Malta claimed the spoils against Montenegro, who endured their first foray into the international arena.
One-time Scotland international Tyler Cassel has also been named and will lead the side as captain.
Malta head coach Aaron McDonald noted: “Tyler Cassel epitomises everything that a captain should be for us; a natural leader who’s always in the thick of the action. He will wear the armband.
“I’m very pleased with the Malta players that are in contention. I’m confident we’ll give Lebanon the tough pre-World Cup warm-up that Michael is after.”
Lebanon squad
Bilal Maarbani, Adam Rizk (Blacktown Workers), Allan Lockwood (Burleigh Bears), Danny Ghantos (Canterbury Bulldogs), Daniel Arahu (Glebe), Donavon Boney (Manly), Khalil Rahme (Mount Pritichard), Kayne Kalache (Newtown Jets), Elie El Zakham, Jabriel Kalache (Parramatta Eels), Hanna El Nachar (Penrith Panthers), Reece Robinson (Queanbeyan Roos), Christian Yassmin (Randwick), Jacob Karam. Josh Rizk (South Sydney), Travis Robinson (unattached), Nick Kassis, Josh Maree (Wentworthville), Michael Tannous (Wests Tigers).
Malta squad
Jarrod Sammut (Barrow Raiders), Zarrin Galea (Brighton Roosters), Nathan Benson (Carlton Devils Mackay), Jed Hardy (Gymea Gorillas), Joel Bradford (Hills Bulls), Jono Dallas (Jamberoo), Hayden Pace (Mackay Cutters), Jake Zammit (Newcastle Knights), Tyler Cassel (North Sydney Bears), Nathan Falzon (Nowra Bomaderry), Josh Vella (Ryde Eastwood Hawks), Aaron Grech (Shellharbour Sharks), Tallis Duncan (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Kyal Greene (The Oaks Tigers), Adam Campbell (Thirlmere Roosters), Anthony Bucca (Victorian Thunderbolts), Kyle Cassel (Wentworthville Magpies), Zachary Vella (Western Suburbs Magpies), Connor McDermott (Wests Tigers Mackay).
READ MORE: Editor’s column: Summer opportunities and Jacques’ reality
