Sharks rising centre Michael Gabrael has been selected in Lebanon’s squad for the upcoming World Cup, where he hopes to make his international debut.
The 21-year-old recently extended his stay in Cronulla until at least 2029, and many will see why when he struts his stuff for his beloved Cedars.
“I’m a proud Lebanese Australian, and it means the world to me and my family to be named in the squad,” Gabrael told Sharks Media.
“It was incredibly special to make my NRL debut recently for the Sharks and have so many friends and family there, so I know they’ll be there again if I get to run out for the Cedars.
“I represented Lebanon at the Under 17s level and now to have the chance to pull on the red, white and green at a World Cup will be a special moment.”
The Wentworthville junior now has a chance to make two dreams come true in the space of six weeks after making his NRL debut for Cronulla in round 27.
Gabrael and Jordan Samrani are Lebanon’s likely starting centres; Samrani came through the Sharks' pathways before moving to Parramatta, where he debuted last season.
Cronulla also have connections to other Cedars squad members: Charbel Tasipale, Khaled Rajab, Khalil Rahme and Moustafa Dirani, who have played for the Sharks' junior teams or the Newtown Jets.
Lebanon World Cup Schedule
Round 1 - Lebanon v Papua New Guinea: October 17, Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby.
Round 2 - Lebanon v Tonga: October 23, CommBank Stadium, Sydney.
Round 3 - Lebanon v France: November 1, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
