Malta and Lebanon women will meet for the first time in a senior international for world ranking points, at Collegians Sports & Performance Centre, Sydney on Saturday 26 September (kick off 7pm, local time).

To date, Lebanon women have played three times since 2017, all against Italy, while Malta’s dames have faced Philippines in 2022 and 2023. Both are set to field a host of possible debutants, Lebanon possibly eleven in a squad with an average age of 21 - although Myah Tumupu is an original Juniper – and Malta up to thirteen.

“This opportunity is the first step for our nation to commence preparations to qualify for the 2030 Woman’s Rugby League World Cup,” said Lebanon Women’s head coach, Sam Ayache. “This is more than simply playing a game — it is about representing members of our squad who reside in Lebanon, our nation, our families and the broader community that have supported us throughout our journey.

“These games are important in creating greater opportunities for women to compete on the world stage and to continue developing the women’s game.”

Malta women’s head coach, Luke Vella, commented: “This is a hugely important occasion for Malta Rugby League, playing against Lebanon provides the women with a fantastic opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition.

“International fixtures are vital for the continued development of our women’s programme. They give our players valuable experience, build confidence and create a pathway for future generations. We are incredibly proud of the commitment and passion our players have shown.”

Malta (squad): Nerida GREGORY (Berala Bears), Taylah Grech (Brothers PJRLC), Mackenzie Cassar (Caloundra Junior Sharks), Chloe SALIBA (Campbelltown City), Victoria COPPINI (Campbelltown City Kangaroos ), Kirsty Sant (Cronulla Caringbah ), Georgie Zahra, Kiah Taofoi (Emu Plains ), Talara TONNA (Leichhardt Juniors ), Margot VELLA (Nth Qld Cowboys), Sherina CAUCHI (Riverstone Razorbacks ), Tahlia SHUKER (Rockhampton Brothers ), Holly CZORNOBEJ (Shellharbour Stingrays ), Jessica BORG (Singleton Greyhounds ), Molly MAMO (Wentworthville Magpies ), Annalise XERRI, Izzy SULTANA, Zahlia SULTANA (Windsor Wolves ), Emilie MCCUE (Woolgoolga Seahorses )

Lebanon (squad): Kenzie MOUJALLI, Olivia Rose Saba, Zoey Leigh Saba (All Saints Toongabbie JRLFC), Eleni EL AZAR, Ella Hussein (Cabramatta Two Blues JRLFC), Eden Alexsandra Melham (Forestville Ferrets JRLFC & Wests Tigers), Amani Saraya (Guildford Owls JRLFC), Brianna Lillian Ali (Kincumber Colts JRLFC), Anabelle Khoury (Marrickville RSL), Audrey Salma Nadaya-Harb (Mounties JRLFC), Amal DANDAN (St Clair Comets JRLFC), Amirah El-ABDALLAH (Unattached), Dounya Ghanem, Lilliano Purnell (Warragamba Wombats JRLFC), Dalia NABHAN (Wentworthville Magpies DJRLFC), Saja Rifei (Wentworthville Magpies DRLFC), Myah TUMUPU (Wentworthville Magpies JRLFC), Ebonie MOSES (Western Suburbs Rosellas JRLFC)