Established hooker Robbie Farah is preparing to play in multiple positions for Lebanon at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, 15 years after starting at halfback in his only previous Test appearance for the Cedars.
Farah is one of the NRL veterans in a Lebanon squad expected to also include fellow hooker Michael Lichaa, halfback Mitchell Moses and forward Tim Mannah.
Lebanon coach and legendary Kangaroos and NSW Blues star Brad Fittler is poised to make use of Farah's playmaking talents in more than one spot.
"I might be spending time everywhere, with Lich (Lichaa) there and we've got a couple of other good young hookers in the squad as well," Farah said on Thursday.
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"I'm a bit more versatile. I can play in the halves or play anywhere else, so Freddy (Fittler) has got a plan and we'll see how it works."
Farah has vivid memories of his previous Test for Lebanon in 2002, when the Cedars beat France 36-6 in Tripoli.
"I remember scoring the first try of the game and then we had a complete blackout in the city, all the lights went out," Farah recalled.
"We were standing in the middle of the field in complete darkness for about 10 minutes until the lights came back on.
"I was at my dad's house yesterday and he's still got my framed jersey up on the wall at his place, so that's how much it means to my family."
While the eligibility criteria for this year's tournament has led to some players making unexpected decisions to play for lower ranked nations, Farah applauded the changes.
"I think it's important to help develop the international game. If players don't get picked for Australia or England or New Zealand, they should be allowed to go back and help these developing nations grow,'" Farah said.
Lebanon have been drawn in the same group as England, Australia and France.
The Cedars are targeting their first game against France in Canberra as the key to their hopes of progressing to the last eight.
"Realistically us and France are going to be fighting out for that third position in the group and the top three will qualify to go through to the quarter-finals," Farah said.
