Warriors CEO Cameron George is set to lend his expertise and experience to Lebanon’s World Cup campaign after joining a newly formed board to support Cedars coach Michael Cheika and the team.

George, whose grandparents immigrated from Lebanon, has overseen the successful transition of the Warriors from exile in Australia during the COVID pandemic to New Zealand’s No.1 sporting franchise with sellouts for 37 of 42 home games since 2023, including 29 of the past 30.

After meeting with Cheika and others involved in Lebanon’s World Cup campaign, George accepted an invitation from Chair George Katrib to join the board as an independent director.

“Coming from a Lebanese family I was taken by what they want to do and the people they have got involved,” he said. “It is very special to me and very special to my family that we have that involvement.

“Obviously they are very passionate about the journey they are on with Lebanese rugby league both in Australia and back in Lebanon.

“It is wonderful to be part of that rugby league community to represent my heritage. I just want to help out if I can.”

Photo: Lebanon will be boosted by some big names and emerging stars at RLWC2026. @Getty Images

The Cedars, who have qualified for the quarter-finals of the last two World Cups in 2017 and 2022, will meet Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on October 17 before taking on Tonga on October 23 and France on October 30 – both games being at CommBank Stadium.

Eels halfback Mitchell Moses, Wests Tigers playmaker Adam Doueihi and Bulldogs back Jacob Kiraz played for Lebanon at the last World Cup.

Wests Tigers forward Alex Twal and Eels centre Jordan Samrani are other stars set to line up for the Cedars, possibly along with Sea Eagles winger Jason Saab if he is successful in his bid to qualify for Lebanon through his stepfather.

There are also a number of emerging stars such as Bulldogs halfback Alex Conti, Sharks centre Michael Gabrael, Wests Tigers forward Tony Sukkar and Dragons secondrower Nick Tsougranis.

“The Lebanese community in Australia is so strong, it is connected and the team can really build that unity to a large fan base,” George said.

“We have got a lot of pride in representing our heritage and the community will get in behind and around the team.

“We want everyone from all parts of Australia to connect with the team and also, of course, back in Lebanon as they represent us at the World Cup, which these guys will do with pride and honour.”

Photo: Warriors CEO Cameron George has overseen the growth of the club into a sporting powerhouse. @PhotoSport NZ

The Board comprises of:

George Katrib - Head of Operations Australia (Executive Director)
Riad Tayeh - Governance (Treasurer & Secretary)
Mohamed Chahal - Head of Football
Tayleb Hassan - Commercial (Commercial Director)
Walid Yassine - Business Club (LRLF Director)
Adam Hassan - Marketing & Communications
Charlie Farah - Cedars of League (COL Director)
Cameron George - Independent Director
Sam Ayache - Head of Pathways

In a statement, Lebanon Rugby League said it was continuing to strenthen its operations in Australia as part of a broader commitment to long term sustainability, high performance and unity across all levels of the game.

Photo: Warriors CEO Cameron George and the new look board will support Cedars coach Michael Cheika during the World Cup. @Matthew Georges

"As we move towards Rugby League World Cup 2026 and beyond, an aligned Australian structure has been establised to support both immediate priorities and future growth.

"This progress has been driven by a committed leadership group across football, commercial, marketing and community, who have worked closely together to build a clear and unified direction under the principle of One Lebanon-One Pathway-One National Team.

"This working group includes key leads across all functions, ensuring strong collaboration, accountability and execution across the Australian program. In parallel, a Board of Directors has been established to provide governance, oversight and long-term strategic guidance.

"This next phase reflects a commitment to Strong governance, transparency, sustainable commercial growth, investment in youth and pathways and building both a competitive and consistent national program

"The Rugby League World Cup 2026 program, including coaching and high-performance structures, has been aligned under Head Coach Michael Cheika/

"Lebanon Rugby League remains focused on building a united and professional organisation that represents its players, community and supporters with pride.

"Lebanon Rugby League is building something far greater than a campaign. We are building a program, a pathway and a legacy as one unified Lebanon."

Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.