Rugby league is well and truly flourishing wherever you go, as Saudi Select U18’s and the Lebanese Federation U18’s side, two teams based out of the Middle East, are set to do battle in a two-game series, after naming their respective sides for the MENA clashes.
The clashes will both take place in Beirut, one being on Valentine’s Day, with the other scheduled to be be played two days later.
With a solid junior system in place for the Saudis, evidenced by ten of their squad coming through the ranks from their U14 team – they will be led by their captain Hasan Zakzouk who is the Camels most capped player, as they look to defeat the host team following their 18-all draw last year.
“We were so disappointed not to win last year and we are determined to bring the cup back to Jeddah this time,” he said.
There is one player that the visitors are excited to call upon, as Rackan Al Moukhtar, a player who has trialled with English Super League side, the Warrington Wolves, and continued his rugby league development in the North West of England, being called upon.
The Cedars, who have not defeated Saudi Select at any level since 2009, are confident that they can win both games in the series, as coach Nayef Abi Said names a 33-man train on squad from 16 schools from across Lebanon.