TUPOU Francis is set to draw on the experience he gained from training with Tonga last year as the teen star prepares to play for Lebanon at Rugby League World Cup 2026.

Francis, who has been earmarked to step into the giant shoes of South Sydney-bound Payne Haas at the Broncos next season, is eligible to represent six of the 10 nations at RLWC2026 but is expected to make his international debut for the Cedars.

Born in Sydney but raised in Brisbane, Francis played for Queensland in the Under 19s State of Origin at North Sydney Oval and showed why he is considered a star of the future with a performance in which he scored two tries, produced a line break, two tackle breaks and made 35 tackles.

Watching on was a large contingent of family members, including his uncle John Hopoate, who invited Francis to train alongside the likes of Jason Taumalolo and Addin Fonua-Blake during last year’s Pacific Championships.

Hopoate is the brother of Francis's mother, who was born in New Zealand and also has Fijian ancestry.

The 18-year-old's father was born in France, with direct family links to Harf Ardeh in North Lebanon through his own parents.

Eligible to play for Australia, Fiji, France, Lebanon, New Zealand or Tonga, Francis joked that he would choose, “whoever calls first”.

“But mainly I'm Tongan-Lebanese,” he said. “If I can represent my dad's side I will. But even my Tongan side as well. I grew up sort of on both sides, so it was pretty even.”

Photo: Tupou Francis celebrates a try with Maroons team-mates in the U19s Origin. @NRL Photos

The younger brother of Titans winger Tony Francis, he has already spoken with Lebanon coach Michael Cheika about playing for the Cedars at RLWC202.

“He called me over the phone and he said he is looking out for me to play for Lebanon,” Francis said. “I don't know if it's confirmed yet, but I'll put my hand up if that does happen.”

After his starring role in Queensland’s 28-14 win against NSW, Lebanon posted the following congratulatory message to Francis on Instagram.

"The future of Lebanon Rugby League is looking bright with talent like the Francis brothers and they will be ones to watch over the next few months and years heading into Test Matches and World Cups in the future for Lebanon".

If Tupou and Tony play for the Cedars at the World Cup they could line up opposite cousin Lehi Hopoate in the October 23 match against Tonga at CommBank Stadium.

Lebanon open their World Cup campaign in Papua New Guinea on October 17 against the Kumuls and also take on France at CommBank Stadium on November 1.

“My mum’s brother is John Hopoate so I guess I'm really lucky and blessed to know that I can fall back on the likes of Will Hopoate, Lehi and all those boys who have played NRL,” Francis said.

“I was lucky last year that my uncle John called me saying, ‘do you want to come into the Tonga camp and train with the boys?’ I wasn’t going to say no to that. It was definitely a massive experience. I enjoyed every bit of it.”

A member of the Broncos top squad, Francis trains regularly alongside Test forwards Payne Haas (Samoa), Pat Carrigan (Australia) and Xavier Willison (New Zealand.

He also calls on brother Tony for advice.

“I was texting him before this just to give me some tips and tricks, like how it is when there's a lot of pressure on you, and he definitely looked after me,” Tupou said of Tony. “He is very big of my life.

“Patty, Payne, and Xavier, they're big role models for me on and off the field, so every day I go in (to Broncos training) I try to get to know them and take tips and tricks as much as I can.”

Photo: Tony Francis with family and friends, including brother Tupou, after his NRL debut for the Titans in 2024. @NRL Photos

With Haas leaving for the Rabbitohs at the end of the season, Francis is set to move into Brisbane’s top squad and is aiming to become a regular member of their forward pack.

“I’d be grateful to just be anywhere in that 19, but I guess I'll take step by step, week by week, and see where we can go. I’ll just focus on pre-season when we get there, and we'll see how it goes.

“To play in the NRL would mean everything. As a kid, this is why you play. You put in so much effort and hard work and sacrifice so much, with your parents, your family and everyone else. It’s not so much to reward them but to reward yourself as well.”

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