Reece Robinson will make his return to rugby league with Lebanon in the upcoming World Cup after two years with the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby
Robinson, who had NRL stints at Parramatta, Canberra and Brisbane before switching codes, has yet to announce whether he will return to league full time, or look for other rugby union opportunities after the tournament.
He played three times for the Lebanese rugby league team in 2009, tallying five tries.
The 30-year-old winger had some good moments with the Waratahs without really establishing himself as a vital member of their back line, despite some handy goalkicking efforts.
He was one of several players with NRL experience named in the Lebanon squad by head coach Brad Fittler.
South Sydney hooker Robbie Farah, who has previously represented Australia, will captain the side, with his former Wests Tigers teammate and now Parramatta playmaker Mitchell Moses his deputy.
Eels captain Tim Mannah, Bulldogs hooker Michael Lichaa, Wests Tigers prop Alex Twal, Ray Moujalli and Robinson's twin brother Travis are other players with NRL experience in the first Cedars squad to contest a World Cup in 17 years.
With several nations bolstered by proven high-level NRL talent, Farah is certain this will be the most competitive World Cup yet and was sure the tournament would deliver upsets.
"Whether someone can put their hand up and really challenge for the cup is another thing," Farah said.
"But I think the depth right across international rugby league is really growing.
"I think you'll see some upsets, You'll see the strength of these so-called developing nations continue to grow
I think you saw it last year in the Four Nations, where Scotland drew with New Zealand and we're hoping to cause a bit of a boilover as well.
"Italy is going to be strong, Tonga, you look at the Fijian team, the Papua New Guinea team.
"Ten years ago you wouldn't have given them a chance really, but nowadays you see their team lists and they are a realistic chance of winning some games
'So I think it's going to be probably the most entertaining and most competitive World Cup we've seen to date."
Lebanon begin their pool campaign against France and then play Australia and England, with the top three teams advancing to the quarter-finals.
Share
