Alex Twal insists “passion” for Lebanon will be the unifying glue driving their World Cup campaign as he prepares to captain the Cedars for the first time.
The Wests Tigers player of the year last wore the Lebanon colours at the 2017 World Cup, missing the 2022 version through injury.
The Cedars held an open training session and fan day at Langlands Park on Monday under the tutelage of head coach Michael Cheika, the incoming NSW Waratahs coach.
He was assisted by new NSW Blues coach Matt King, Lebanon and Wests Tigers legend Robbie Farah, Sydney Swans 2005 AFL premiership winner Nick Davis (kicking coach) and former Wallabies half Will Genia.
"It is very humbling," tough forward Twal told AAP when asked about the coaching dream team.
"All of them are high-profile in the sporting world and we are lucky to have them on our team passing on their knowledge."
The Cedars reached the quarter-finals in the 2017 and 2022 tournaments.
Despite being without injured five-eighth Adam Doueihi and star half Mitchell Moses, who is with Australia this time, Twal is eyeing a path to the semi-finals, starting with a must-win campaign opener against the PNG Kumuls in Port Moresby on Saturday.
"I missed the last World Cup through injury, which was disappointing, but I've had this written down on the calendar for a long time and I'm looking forward to it," Twal said.
"I can't wait for the opportunity to represent my heritage and roots on my mum's side. She was born in Lebanon. We are very proud people."
He said he was looking forward to leading the pack alongside Sydney Roosters NSW Cup lock Jaxson Rahme and Touluse Olympique prop James Roumanos.
"I can't wait to play with them," Twal said.
"We love our country and we love our people, so this is an opportunity for us to have a positive impact on our culture. Aggression is what we will bring, but playing with passion is very important for us.
"One thing about the Cedars is that we always punch above our weight. We will give it a crack and give it our best and I am sure we will do our nation proud. It is going to be a great clash against PNG."
Farah said Twal would do Lebanon proud as captain.
"I know how proud he is to have the honour of captaining us going into the World Cup this year," Farah told AAP.
"His game really evolved this year and in my opinion he was by far the best player for the Tigers week in and week out. Alex has developed into a strong leader as well and earned the right to captain the country."
Twal's passion is unquestioned and came to the fore when he was sin-binned for an open-hand shove to the face of Canterbury's Jaeman Salmon in a spiteful round 20 clash.
Twal had been silent on the incident, but said he harboured no animosity towards Salmon.
"I regret what I did because that is not the way to carry on when you are on a football field," Twal said.
"He is an awesome bloke. We will leave that where it is."
