Lebanon Rugby League have begun their campaign to qualify for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup with four age group teams competing for the first time – and all emerging victorious.

That included the open age side winning the inaugural Hayne/Mannah Trophy as they defeated Australia-based Fiji 34-4 in the headline game of a festival held at Club Italia, Sydney; long-serving fullback Adnan Saleh scoring two of his side’s six tries.

Cedars Head coach David Bayssari said, “It was a great effort by all four teams, coaches and their staff who prepared the players well, they have done themselves and their families proud.”

Remond Safi, COO of the LRLF added, “The LRLF has laid the foundations and pathway for a great four years to come with these results. It’s great to see so many of the Lebanese community in Australia sharing the same goals as those back home who passionately support the sport.”

In the other games, the Lebanon U16 won 28-12, their U18 edged a close encounter 22-18 and Cedar U20 were convincing 30-12 victors.

HAYNE/MANNAH CUP

LEBANON
Soliman Jordan, (Blacktown), Steve Azzi, (Bulldogs), Jared Azar, Charlie Farrah, Chris Saab, (Guilford), Saleh Adnan, Jamie Clark, Ali Ellaz, Toufic Nicholas, (Lithgow),Nick Kassis, (Mounties), Khaled Deeb, Ray Moujali, (Newtown), Elias Sukkar, (North Sydney) Ali Hijazi, (QLD Cup), James Boustani, (Wentworthville), Liam Ayoub, Danny Chia, (Windsor)

Tries: Saleh 2, Chia, Boustani, Deeb, Ayoub
Goals: Nicolas 5

Coach David Bayssari, Anthony Farrah, Robert Elcham.

FIJI AUSTRALIA
Chris Ahovelo, Billy Baleiloaloma, Sunia Bukalid, Jokatama Dokonivalu, Donis Gock, Jone Macila, Shalom Meo, Tim Nawaqatabu,  Pat O’mealey, Shaun O’mealey, Iliesa Saukuru, Simiti Sautu, Suli Setokuli, Netani Suka, Oris Qaraniqio, Nemani Valekapa, Lepani Waqa,
 
Coach Joe Saukuru

Try: O’Mealey

Half time: 16-0