Papua New Guinea vs Lebanon Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage
by Alex Sarwar ·
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Neither Papua New Guinea nor Lebanon have ever made it to the semi-finals of this tournament and both are out to make history in 2026.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / USA – Premier Player
Tickets: Visit this link to access the latest 2026 Rugby League World Cup tickets
Papua New Guinea team news: Running it back
There are a number of familiar names within the Papua New Guinea squad, including Nene MacDonald and Rhyse Martin. But Leigh Leopards’ Lachlan Lam will not feature at this World Cup due to injury.
Squad: Morea Morea, Robert Derby, Zac Laybutt, Nene Macdonald, Dudley Dotoi, Gairo Voro, Bailey Biondi-Odo, Valentine Richard, Edwin Ipape, Luca Moretti, Rhyse Martin, Nixon Putt, Jack De Belin, Finley Glare, Liam Horne, Epel Kapinias, Sylvester Namo, Rodrick Tai, Sanny Wabo, Robert Mathias, Khaiya Waiembi, Zev John
Lebanon team news: Moses jumped ship
Mitchell Moses previously represented Lebanon on the international stage but the Paramatta Eels captain now plays for Australia. However, two notable NRL players are set to make their debuts for the Cedars in Jordan Samrani and Tony Sukkar.
Squad: Jacob Kiraz, Tony Francis, Michael Gabrael, Jordan Samrani, Jason Saab, Khaled Rajab, Alex Conti, Jaxson Rahme, Yehya Ayache, James Roumanos, Tony Sukkar, Charbel Tasipale, Alex Twal, Moustafa Dirani, Mikael Ibrahim, Jalal Bazzaz, Khalil Rahme, Joseph Nohra, Abbas Miski, Tupou Francis, Mohamed Alameddine, Cameron Kanaan
Will either of these two nations reach the semi-finals?
Open poll and resultsPapua New Guinea vs Lebanon prediction
Papua New Guinea come into this competition significantly higher than their opponents in the International Rugby League World rankings. Whilst the Kumuls currently sit in sixth-place, Lebanon are down in 23rd-place, the lowest of any nation set to feature at the World Cup. But everyone knows not to underestimate an underdog and the Cedars reached the knockout stage in the last edition of this tournament.
Papua New Guinea also made it to the knockout stage back then and the three-time reigning Pacific Bowl winners have pedigree of performing well on the big occasion. Jason Demetriou’s side will find it very tough against the very best sides, but Lebanon are a team they should beat. Therefore, back PNG to start well and finish both the first and second halves well ahead.
Papua New Guinea vs Lebanon tip: Papua New Guinea HT/FT
