There has been no shortage of banter flying around the family group chat this week as brothers Tony and Tupou Francis prepare to line up opposite cousin Lehi Hopoate when Lebanon takes on Tonga this Friday night.

Rising rugby league prospects Tony and Tupou Francis, nephews of league great John Hopate, are preparing for a World Cup clash that will bring both sides of their family together at CommBank Stadium.

The brothers, who are of Tongan and Lebanese heritage, made their international debuts for Lebanon against Papua New Guinea last week. Now, they face one of the proudest occasions of their careers, representing their father’s side of the family against their Tongan relatives.

“We know it’s going to be a big one for myself and Tupou, but to play against Tonga, to represent both sides of our family, and to have both sides of the family at the game will be special,” Tony Francis told NRL.com.

“And also just to do it with my little brother, I can’t wait for it.”

Despite the family rivalry, there is little chance of any divide.

“Yep, definitely banter, you know how families are, saying who’s the better one. But it’s all love at the end of the day, we’re both excited to represent our families,” Tony said.

“They’re supporting both sides, so they’re going to try and sit in the middle somewhere. I know they’ll be together.

“They are saying they are bringing a Lebanon flag and then a Tongan T-shirt, half and half.

“It’s going to be exciting, I can’t wait to play in front of them. It’s going to be a special moment.”

Brothers Tony and Tupou Francis will link up for Lebanon's clash with Tonga on Friday night. Picture: Supplied.

For Tony, 23, the clash is an opportunity to test himself against his cousin who has quickly established himself in the NRL.

Hopate made his Sea Eagles debut in 2024 and has since played 59 NRL games, emerging as an electric talent who can play anywhere in the backline.

Tony, who has played 10 first-grade games for the Gold Coast Titans, has watched his cousin’s rise with pride and is relishing the chance to face him on the international stage.

“There’s been a little bit of banter between me and him early in the week, but that’s just family,” he said.

“I’m excited to play him, cause man, he’s doing special things in the NRL. He’s put his name out there and to be able to go against someone like Lehi, knowing that’s my family, it’d be good for us too.”

While Tony is looking to make his own mark, younger brother Tupou is already embracing an experience few players get to enjoy at just 18 years of age.

The Broncos-contracted lock has loved every moment of his first World Cup, but the chance to share the experience with his older brother has made it even more special.

“It means everything to me,” Tupou said.

“Growing up, I looked up to him and idolised him and to get the opportunity to do it, not only just playing footy but doing it for Lebanon, you can’t put it into words. It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever.”

Tupou had previously been invited to train with Tonga during the 2025 Pacific Championships, but when the opportunity to represent Lebanon at the World Cup arrived, he chose to join his brother.

“I came to Lebanon to play with my brother, and the oldest brother was meant to come as well, so all three of us were meant to be here,” he said.

“It was pretty much 50-50, so I’m excited that I get to represent my dad and my Lebanese side.”

The teenager admitted he was nervous heading into camp but has quickly settled into life with the Cedars.

“I can’t really put into words, I was pretty nervous coming into this camp, but now I’m one of the pests. I’m loving my time here,” he said.

“I’m glad I met these boys and these boys will be my brothers for the rest of my life.”

Tony has also made an early impression on the international stage, equalling the record for the most running metres by a winger in a World Cup match alongside England’s Dom Young and New Zealand’s Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

“I didn’t think of it much, I just wanted to go out there and put in a good performance for myself and for the team,” he said.

“I just wanted to help the team, and I’m pretty grateful to be among those great players as Dom Young and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.”

Lebanon face a daunting challenge against a red-hot Tongan side, but the brothers are embracing the opportunity to learn from some of the game’s most experienced figures.

“We don’t have many NRL boys here, but I’m still learning off them as well,” he said.

“Michael Cheika, Matty King and Robbie Farah, they have done it all, and just taking in everything they say and putting it into my game.”

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