Michael Cheika treats Lebanon's final World Cup game as their grand final
Coach Cheika, born to Lebanese migrants, treats Sunday's dead-rubber against France as a finals match to honour his heritage.
Michael Cheika is refusing to treat Lebanon's final Rugby League World Cup game as a dead rubber, despite his side's elimination. The Cedars lost to Papua New Guinea and Tonga, ending their hopes of the knockout stages, but Cheika says Sunday's meeting with France will be approached as a "Grand Final".
The 59-year-old Australian was born to Lebanese migrants who arrived in 1950 seeking a better life. Cheika believes the rare chance to represent the country on a world stage is crucial for Lebanese people watching at home.
"How often do you get to support the flag?" he said.
"Compare it to Aussies, we're getting to support a national team every five minutes." Cheika has coached in both rugby codes and plans to return to Australia's Waratahs after the World Cup.
- 59
- Cheika's age
- 1950
- Lebanese migrants arrived
- Quarter-finals four years ago
- Lebanon's previous World Cup result
- Sunday vs France
- Match date and opponent
Why it mattersCheika's perspective shows how sport can carry cultural meaning beyond the scoreboard, especially for diaspora communities with limited global representation.
AustraliaAustralian rugby league fans will see Cheika's passion for representation, reflecting the sport's deep ties to immigrant communities in Australia.
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