The LRLC has named its 18-man squad to face the United Arab Emirates RL XIII on Saturday. Nine players are missing from the starting thirteen that beat the Serbian national team in August 2007, with another six players making their debuts. In the forwards Robin Hachache is the only forward to retain his place from last year’s starting six, while Danny Chemaly and Pierre Nasr form a brand new halfback combination. For the run on side, Riad Khoury and Megho Keychian make their debuts in the backs, while Ahmad Al Masri comes into the second row.

Head coach Remond Safi said: “even though we’re missing several players our team is still strong. This will be a good test for any players wanting to play for Lebanon this October in the Euro-Med Challenge, as we know the UAE has some really experienced rugby league players.”

The UAE RL has named a 20-man squad, with two to drop off on Saturday morning. Josh Dransfield, the captain of the inaugural UAE RL representative team, was optimistic concerning the potential for the sport in the Emirates: “rugby league will spread quickly in the UAE and I’m proud to be captain of the first selection. Hopefully we can grab a win in Beirut”.

The match kicks off at 3.30pm at Bhamdoun Municipal Stadium.

Liban Espoir squad: 1.Riad Khoury 2.Wael Harb 3.Ghassan Dandash 4.Mohamed Jamil 5.Megho Keychian 6.Pierre Nasr © 7.Danny Chemaly 8.Robin Hachace 9.Fadi Azam 10.Adel Kanso 11.Ahmad Al Masri 12.Nicolas Chammas 13.Wael Tawil Subs: 14.Mounir Finan 15.Nabil Dora 16.Ramiy Rassy 17.Nemr Saliba 18.Youssef Chagoury

Coach: Remond Safi

UAE RL XIII squad: Wassim Moumneh, Josh Dransfield ©, Hassan Al Noobi, Dave Bulmer, Omar Ghazzaoui, Zeeyaad Darwish, Fred Leon Smith, Jad Abi Nassif, Duncan Murray, Sami Moutran, Zahi Akiki, Nabil Moutran, Wael Nehme, Joshua Sherrin, Alistar Field, Nick Whiteley, Mohamad Teymour, Bill Asmar, Abdullah Darwich, Joe El-Chemor

Coach: Sleiman Mokdad