Moses says Lebanon won't underestimate Jamaica challenge

Lebanon will reach the last eight if they beat Jamaica

29 Oct 2022

Moses says Lebanon won't underestimate Jamaica challenge

Lebanon will reach the last eight if they beat Jamaica

By Jack Lacey-Hatton

Lebanon captain Mitchell Moses does not expect a walkover when they face Jamaica in a crunch Group C clash on Sunday in Leigh.

The Cedars need to either win, draw or lose by fewer than six points to ensure a last-eight spot, with New Zealand already confirmed as going through as group winners after a victory against Ireland on Friday night.

Lebanon bounced back from an opening-round defeat to the Kiwis, by securing an impressive 32-14 win over Ireland last time out.

That means they are now within touching distance of the last eight but Moses is taking nothing for granted, admitting he was impressed with the fight shown by the Reggae Warriors against New Zealand – despite going down 68-6.

The captain said his teammates will have their guards up when they take on the tournament debutants, who are still chasing a first win.

READ MORE: Five players that shone in Round 2 of the Rugby League World Cup

“We’ve got Jamaica in a big game,” said Moses. “They tried their guts out against New Zealand and they are going to come out fired up.

“They will be ready to spoil everything for us, so we need to weather the storm.

“We have our full focus on Jamaica.”

Head coach Michael Cheika has recalled Adam Doueihi to his matchday squad, giving the Cedars a timely team boost ahead of the decisive clash.

Doueihi missed the win over Ireland last time out after he picked up a one match ban for foul and abusive language against New Zealand but returns for the final group game.

Elsewhere, Jamaica captain Ash Golding says his team will continue to focus on their own game rather than worry about the opposition. 

They come into Sunday’s clash with the added bonus of having already made history, with Ben Jones-Bishop‘s score in the defeat against the Kiwis meaning they now have a Rugby League World Cup try to their name.

Jamaica are the lowest-ranked nation at the finals, but have repeatedly stated they are looking to utilise the tournament as a vehicle to grow the game back home.

“Going into this game it is all about us,” the Huddersfield Giants player said.

“We continue to look at what we can do on the field and what we can do off the field.

“Hopefully we can capture people’s imaginations. From one-to-17, I’ve been so proud of the boys. There were 17 leaders out there (against New Zealand).”

The Rugby League World Cup promises to be the biggest, best and most inclusive event in the sport’s 127-year history with men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams competing in 61 games across 21 venues throughout England. Tickets are available via rlwc2021.com/tickets

Principal Sponsor

Partner

Official Sponsors

Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner

Partners

Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner
recite me menu recite me menu