This is a really good Lebanon Cedars back-five on paper.

In Jacob Kiraz, Tony Francis, Michael Gabrael, Jordan Samrani and Jason Saab, the backline is stacked with power and speed.

Kiraz won’t stop moving, Francis is a power winger, Gabrael is rapid, Samrani has proven to be reliable in first grade, and Saab is unstoppable in space.

The key for the Cedars is getting them the ball.

Alex Conti is one of the up-and-coming stars of the game, and while he’s not Mitchell Moses, he can guide the team around the field into strong positions. He kicked well when he was handed the duties as the primary halfback of the Bulldogs Cup side throughout the season. He will be in the halves alongside Khaled Rajab who, at only 24 years old, is a reserve grade veteran at this point. If he can bring some of that Newtown Jets flare to the side, those outside him will benefit.

Additionally, Jaxson Rahme at prop can move the ball and act as a pivot one-off the ruck where required. If Lebanon can generate momentum and stretch the Papua New Guinea defensive line, Yehya Ayache is a dummy half I’ve had my eye on for a little while now, too.

The Rugby League World Cup relies on one of the smaller nations exceeding expectations and authoring a Cinderella story. Lebanon can start to be that team with an upset win here.

Brian McDermott has taken over as England coach and has produced a few interesting quotes in the buildup to the Rugby League World Cup.

"We have got to do things differently.

"Being passionate to play for England is huge. You have to be aggressive to play our game, you have to be a warrior, a gladiator - but you have to have some smart attack as well.

"You have to play with a point of difference and attack into certain areas. I don't believe too many England teams have done that over the years."

What does different look like?