Cedars coach Rick Stone believes the key to resolving the conflict between the playing group and the Lebanese Rugby League Federation is to strengthen the domestic competition in Lebanon.
The Lebanese players had originally stated their intentions to place tape over the cedar-tree logo as a protest, but after the governing body threatened prosecution, including fines, suspensions and even imprisonment, the protest was withdrawn.
Members of the Cedars squad met with Rugby League International Federation officials ahead of their clash against Fiji on Friday in an attempt to ease the conflict.
“I think we’ll reach a resolution with the International Rugby League Federation board involved,” Stone told AAP.
“If [the Lebanese players] can get a couple things they’re after then I think that’ll be a good result.
“The main thing is having a prosperous and vibrant local domestic tournament – that’s pretty important. If there’s a healthy competition back in Lebanon then that will help the international game. That’s a requirement of the International Rugby League Federation for a team to be playing in World Cup.”
Interchange player Toufic El Hajj, who played just five minutes against the Bati, was the lone Lebanese local to run out on Saturday night. However, Stone believes the number of home-grown players will increase if the domestic competition is strengthened.
“We had three boys from Lebanon in camp with us for the week and one of them played. That’s what they’re trying to build,” he said.
“The competition over there has been spasmodic at best over the past couple of years, so I’ve heard. They’re back at working to move that into the right direction.”
Despite having plenty of distractions due to the increased media hype during the week, Stone doesn’t think the off-field drama had an impact on the 58-14 loss to Fiji.
“I don’t think [the off-field drama] affected us but then again I wasn’t out there with the boys,” the coach said.
“I must say there was a lot of media hype this week – more than usual. It didn’t seem to be a distraction at training but I’m not quite sure what impact it had on the younger boys.
Without a number of high-profile NRL players, Stone said he was disappointed to be without some of Lebanon’s best players. Star winger Josh Mansour, who had made himself available for selection, was ruled out by Penrith’s club doctor due to a minor niggling injury.
“It was frustrating but I’ve been on the other side of the situation. I understand there’s no perfect recipe for this mid-season Test,” he said.
“I’ve got to thank our senior players – Timmy Mannah, Michael Lichaa and Robbie Farah – for playing this week. They really led from the front and hopefully we are full strength next time we play.”
