NRL Grand Finalist Mitchell Moses named in Lebanon World Cup squad

Parramatta Eels half-back Mitchell Moses has been named in Lebanon’s World Cup squad by head coach Michael Cheika.

However, the 28-year-old could still yet be named in Australia’s squad following an impressive season that has seen him reach the NRL Grand Final.

His Eels side face Penrith Panthers this Sunday at Accor Stadium, Sydney.

Wests Tigers utility Adam Doueihi, Canterbury Bulldogs outside-back Jacob Kiraz and South Sydney winger Josh Mansour have all been included. Wigan’s Abbas Miski has also been selected. 

Manly Sea Eagles back-rower James Roumanos, who made his debut this year, has also been included. 

If Moses is to lead Parramatta to their first premiership since 1986, Australia boss Mal Meninga could include the half-back in his squad for the tournament later this autumn.

Lebanon boss on Mitchell Moses

“He has obviously played for Lebanon at the last World Cup but it is a tricky one for us,” Cheika said.

“In a very contradictory way, there is a part of me that doesn’t want to coach Mitchell because we want him to be picked for Australia.

“That is the pinnacle to see one of our players playing up there with a team that can win the World Cup, I think for us.

“We will have to wait and see what happens with the Australian selection next week. But hopefully he will be with us.”

Travis Robinson is a notable exclusion, having been picked in the squad to face an emerging Italy side in a World Cup warm-up match last weekend. The Cedars claimed a 22-4 victory at Lidcombe Oval.

Veteran prop Ray Moujali, who the Lebanon skipper for the match, has also missed out.

Lebanon World Cup squad

Jalal Bazzaz (Wests Illawarra)

Adam Doueihi (Wests Tigers)

Hanna El-Nachar (Penrith Panthers)

Toufic El-Hajj (American University of Beirut)

Elie El-Zakhem (Parramatta Eels)

Atef Hamdan (Wolves, Lebanon

Kayne Kalache (Newtown Jets)

Andrew Kazzi (Western Suburbs Magpies)

Jacob Kiraz (Canterbury Bulldogs)

Bilaal Maarbani (Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles)

Anthony Layoun (St Marys Saints)

Josh Mansour (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Jaxson Rahme (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Josh Maree (Wentworthville United)

Tony Maroun (Ryde-Eastwood Hawks)

Abbas Miski (Wigan Warriors)

Brad Morkos (Canberra Raiders)

Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels)

Khalil Rahme (Mt Pritchard Mounties)

Khaled Rajab (Canterbury Bulldogs)

Reece Robinson (unattached)

James Roumanos (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)

Mikey Tannous (Wests Tigers)

Charbel Tasipale (Newtown Jets).

Lebanon will feature in Group C of the men’s tournament alongside Ireland, Jamaica and New Zealand.

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