Michael Cheika has hit out at the Rugby League Players Association and International Rugby League, claiming he was denied a request for Lebanon to play a warm-up game going into the World Cup.

The Cedars showed plenty of spirit in a 36-0 loss to Tonga in their second game of the tournament, with young halfback Alex Conti enhancing his reputation with a strong showing filling the shoes of Mitchell Moses.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Cheika said he was “super proud” of the effort – but added that the team were at a key disadvantage.

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“We had 12 debutants last week. We just need more footy,” he said.

“We tried to get a warm-up game here, we weren’t allowed by I don’t know who it was, RLPA or IRL – I don’t know.

“We need to have a warm-up game (where) we can prepare and start to get ready.

“It’s not easy for us. We haven’t played a game since the World Cup last time.”

Tonga steamroll Lebanon in RLWC | 02:27

The Cedars have played just one friendly since the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, with a pair of 2024 matches against France controversially cancelled due to organisers’ concerns about ticket sales with several Lebanese stars unavailable.

Cheika, who will finish up as Lebanon coach at tournament’s end to return as head coach of the NSW Waratahs for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, was reluctant to label his team “gallant losers”.

But he conceded the description was apt, having fought hard but been easily beaten in a 42-18 loss to Papua New Guinea as well as the Tonga defeat.

“I didn’t want them to finish with that type of scoreline, I thought we merited better,” he said.

“Obviously, our team here, we don’t get given anything, we’ve got to go and fight for everything.

“We got a short runway into the tournament, and I thought it was a heck of an improvement from last week to this week.

“I think just at the end, fatigue got into us, we started making some individual decisions instead of the collective ones.

“I said it last week when we probably didn’t play that great, that I was super proud of the boys. I don’t just say it lightly.

“Some of our guys are park footballers or they’re playing a lower grade, playing against a team like that and handling those conditions pretty well across the board.

“I don’t want to be a gallant loser, but at the end of the day that’s what we are.”

Isaiya Katoa ruled out of Lebanon clash | 02:56

Cheika was thrilled with the performance of Conti at halfback, who did his chances of breaking into the Bulldogs NRL team no harm with a positive showing.

Making the display all the more admirable was that it came despite the loss of five-eighth Khaled Rajab to a hamstring injury.

Cheika said he was confident the 20-year old would continue to improve with more games under his belt.

How do I get Conti a game where he can start to be that guy? He’s had one now against PNG, he’s got another one now,” he said.

“He’s a good young player, I don’t want to wrap him up too much because when they get wrapped up too much, it puts heat on them that they don’t need.

“Just grow and develop and play your footy when it comes to you.”

The Cedars face another challenge against France in their final group stage game at CommBank Stadium on Sunday evening (AEDT).



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