Malta and Lebanon women will meet for the first time in a senior international for world ranking points, at Collegians Sports & Performance Centre, Sydney on Saturday 26 September (kick off 7pm, local time).
To date, Lebanon women have played three times since 2017, all against Italy, while Malta’s dames have faced Philippines in 2022 and 2023. Both are set to field a host of possible debutants, Lebanon possibly eleven in a squad with an average age of 21 - although Myah Tumupu is an original Juniper – and Malta up to thirteen.
“This opportunity is the first step for our nation to commence preparations to qualify for the 2030 Woman’s Rugby League World Cup,” said Lebanon Women’s head coach, Sam Ayache. “This is more than simply playing a game — it is about representing members of our squad who reside in Lebanon, our nation, our families and the broader community that have supported us throughout our journey.
“These games are important in creating greater opportunities for women to compete on the world stage and to continue developing the women’s game.”
Malta women’s head coach, Luke Vella, commented: “This is a hugely important occasion for Malta Rugby League, playing against Lebanon provides the women with a fantastic opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition.
“International fixtures are vital for the continued development of our women’s programme. They give our players valuable experience, build confidence and create a pathway for future generations. We are incredibly proud of the commitment and passion our players have shown.”
Lebanon Squad
Zoey Leigh, Kenzie Moujalli, Olivia Saba, (All Saints Toongabbie JRLFC) Eleni El Azar, Ella Hussein (Cabramatta Two Blues JRLFC), Eden Melham (Forestville Ferrets JRLFC & Wests Tigers), Amani Saraya (Guildford Owls JRLFC), Brianna Ali (Kincumber Colts JRLFC), Anabelle Khoury (Marrickville RSL), Audrey Nadaya-Harb (Mounties JRLFC), Amal Dandan (St Clair Comets JRLFC), Amira El-Abdallah (Unattached), Dounya Ghanem, Lilliana Purnell (Warragamba Wombats JRLFC), Dalia Nabhan, Saja Rifei, Myah Tumupu (Wentworthville Magpies JRLFC), Ebonie Moses (Western Suburbs Rosellas JRLFC)
Malta Squad
Nerida Gregory (Berala Bears), Chloe Saliba (Campbelltown City), Victoria Coppini (Campbelltown City Kangaroos), Mackenzie Cassar (Caloundra Junior Sharks), Kirsty Sant (Cronulla Caringbah), Kiah Taotofi, Georgie Zahra, (Emu Plains), Taylah Grech (Brothers PJRLC), Talara Tonna-Riley (Leichhardt Juniors ), Margot Vella (Nth Qld Cowboys) Tahlia Shuker (Rockhampton Brothers), Sherina Cauchi (Riverstone Razorbacks), Holly Czornobej (Shellharbour Stingrays), Jessica Borg (Singleton Greyhounds), Molly Mamo (Wentworthville Magpies), Emilie McCue (Woolgoolga Seahorses), Izzy Sultana, Zahlia Sultana, Annalise Xerri (Windsor Wolves)