Lebanon, Syria and Ukraine have continued to field rugby league teams despite ongoing conflicts at home, with players expressing determination to give people hope and represent their countries with honour. Last Sunday, Syria and Lebanon played international fixtures in Sydney, while Ukraine competed in a European Championship match in Belgrade days earlier.
Lebanon's dramatic World Cup win
Lebanon beat France in a frenzied match at CommBank Stadium, suggesting they remain among the top eight teams in the world despite a lower ranking due to inactivity since the last World Cup. Prop Jalal Bazzaz, who played in all three of Lebanon's matches at the World Cup, said the team's aim was to give back to their roots.
"It's in our blood. To put on that jersey, represent my country and put Lebanon on the world stage – it gives people something to smile about, a bit of hope," Bazzaz said. He noted that his mother is in regular contact with people in Lebanon who loved the team's performance, saying "their whole place is involved."
New stars emerge
Lebanon were missing Mitchell Moses, Adam Doueihi and other NRL players through injury, providing opportunities for others. Canterbury Bulldogs player Alex Conti, previously uncapped, became a star during the tournament, while St George youngster Shadi Hammoud partnered him in the halves.
"I wear the Cedar on my chest with honour. I'm representing my family and everyone who moved over to Australia to give us a better life," Hammoud said after the match.
Syria's rapid growth
Syria are fielding men's, women's, boys and girls teams at several age groups in Australia, despite not existing four years ago. Abdul Nabhan, president of Syria Rugby League, said the sport has grown from two players at their first training session to over 100 now.
"Players are coming from all around Sydney and from Central Coast. They see this opportunity to play for Syria and they get here," Nabhan said. Syria's men were beaten 36-6 by the Ozzy Cooks, a team of local Cook Islanders, in a friendly at Bankstown.
Ukraine's continued participation
Ukraine have played regularly in recent years and were up to 10th in the world rankings before a surprise defeat by the Netherlands in Belgrade last month cost them the Euro B title. They have beaten Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Czechia since the war began.
Lebanon are unlikely to be at the 2030 World Cup unless the IRL's deadline of March 2027 for qualifiers consideration is moved. Bazzaz expressed sadness that younger players may not experience what he has, saying "hopefully we can get back on track."
