Lebanon Captain Robbie Farah hopes to leave a legacy behind that can inspire others whilst paving the way for young Lebanese kids to dream big and pursue a career in the NRL and one day represent the Cedars.
Much like Souths teammate Adam Doueihi, who’s time in a Lebanon jumper has seen the young half’s confidence sky rocket.
The Rugby League World Cup for Farah has been about the impression the Cedars are leaving off the field. It’s something that motivates him to push the 18th-ranked team as far into the tournament as possible.
“It’s not just our results on the field it’s our impact off the field as well that means most to us. You’ve seen the Lebanese community and the fans get right behind us, which has created a great atmosphere at our games,” said Farah.
“[Adam Doueihi’s] only a young kid but this World Cup will do him wonders. He was at Souths last year and was a pretty quiet and shy kid but at camp he’s really come out of his shell and really grown in confidence.
“He got his chance against France because Chris (Saab) got knocked out in the warm up but he came into the 17 and took his opportunity with both hands and since then he’s really made a home for himself in our team.”
Making an impact on the field is what players are paid to do. Winning Premierships and individual awards is what they dream of in the short time they have playing the game they love.
Robbie Farah knows all about this. The Rabbitohs hooker is a Premiership winner and long-time NSW representative and has earnt an impressive collection of honours throughout his stellar career, with his recent role with Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup, high up on his list.
“Definitely, I had to wait a long time to play for Lebanon again and it was something I was really looking forward to,” said Farah.
“To get our first World Cup victory and qualify for the quarter finals is a massive achievement and is something I’m very proud of.”
Lebanon has been one of the many good feeling stories of the tournament and Farah is keen to keep that going into their next match.
“It’s been a really good campaign so far, we’ve enjoyed our time together in camp both away from training and at training,” said Farah.
“Now we go into a tough quarter final game with Tonga with nothing to lose and we will give it a red hot crack.”
With a do or die clash with Tonga this weekend, Farah’s time at the World Cup will either be extended by another 80 minutes or be over for another four years. But the Captain wants to immerse himself in the Lebanese culture one last time before getting back into the pre-season training.
“A few of the boys from the Lebanese team are thinking of heading over to Lebanon after the World Cup,” said Farah.
“I know Freddy (Brad Fitler) is thinking about it so I might tag along and get over to Lebanon for a couple of weeks.”
