League: NRL Sport: Rugby Country: Australia Category: Coaching

Michael Cheika hints at rugby league return after World Cup exit

Zero Tackle NRL • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 1, 2026, 10:00 PM

Last updated Nov 1, 2026

Michael Cheika hints at rugby league return after World Cup exit

Summary

Lebanon Cedars coach Michael Cheika has indicated he might return to rugby league following his team's recent win against France in their ending match at the 2026 World Cup. Cheika, set to take over as coach of the NSW Waratahs in 2027 for rugby union, reflected on his experiences with Lebanon since 2021. He appreciates the journey with the Cedars and credits it with revitalizing his coaching skills. Cheika expressed confidence in returning to rugby league, but isn't expected to rejoin the Lebanon national team. Lebanon's victory marked their first in the tournament, concluded with a golden-point score from Abbas Miski.

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Status Watch

•Lebanon beat France in a golden-point thriller to secure their first World Cup win.
•Michael Cheika hints at returning to rugby league in the future.
•Cheika will coach the NSW Waratahs in rugby union starting in 2027.
•Lebanon concludes its World Cup campaign with this victory.

Latest Updates

10:00 PMZero Tackle NRL — Departing World Cup coach hints at rugby league return

What they're saying

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The departing coach is heading back to rugby union, but his latest comments has left the door open for a return to the code.
— Zero Tackle NRLby Leo Twemlow

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