Argentina coach Cheika keen to continue in Lebanon role
SPOTLIGHT: Lebanon coach Michael Cheika says he’s open to coaching the Cedars at the next Rugby League World Cup after bowing out to Australia.
Cheika’s side were no match for the Kangaroos in the quarte-final in Huddersfield with their campaign ending in a 4-48 loss.
It marked the end of an impressive maiden stint coaching in the 13-man-game, with Lebanon winning praise for their unorthodox and flamboyant approach.
Cheika had little time to reflect on the Cedars’ finish in the last eight, which guarantees them qualification for 2025, as he must head off to his day job as head coach of Argentina’s Rugby Union team.
But the former Wallabies mentor said he was keen to continue working with the Lebanese national team into the future.
“It’s been one of the best things I’ve done in footy ever,” Cheika said.
“Nothing is set in stone but it’s a great experience to be a part of and it’s been a great, great experience for myself personally.
“I wouldn’t hesitate to put my hand up if they wanted me to come back again.”
Cheika was unsure when Lebanon would next play but said he and his side had agreed to all travel to the nation over the next 12 months.
The Australian had just six hours between leaving Huddersfield and travelling to London for Argentina duty to celebrate with his players.
“I’d like to think the best is still to come, if I have the honour of being involved with them again,” he said.
“[It’s helped my] reconnection with the homeland of my parents, and to live that experience and share experience about what it’s like to grow up as an ethnic kid playing sport, it’s been unreal.”
