"Half Hopoate, half Habib".
That was a post on Lebanese Rugby League Federation's Facebook page after Cedars stars Tony and Tupou Francis were embraced by Tonga fans at Sydney Airport earlier this week.
The brothers, who are eligible for up to six nations at IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026, played together for the first time in PNG last weekend and will play opposite cousin Lehi Hopoate in Friday night's match against Tonga at CommBank Stadium.
Their mother is the sister of Lehi's father, John Hopoate, who invited 18-year-old Tupou into the Tonga camp during last year's Pacific Championships to train alongside the likes of Jason Taumalolo and Addin Fonua-Blake.
Tupou Francis 2nd Try
Now the rising Broncos forward is preparing to go head-to-head with them after again being named on the interchange for Lebanon, for whom the brothers qualify through their father.
“My dad's full Lebanese he’s from Harf Ardeh, and I am a proud Lebanese man,” Tony Francis said.
“I am excited to represent my family and my culture, especially my grandfather who passed away a couple years ago, so to be able to represent him is special.”
Match: Tonga v Lebanon
Round 2 -
home Team
Tonga
3rd Position
away Team
Lebanon
5th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Tupou said the emotional response of family members to his selection for Lebanon would inspire him in the match against Tonga.
“It means everything. Growing up it was mostly more Tongan, to be honest," he said.
"But to get this opportunity to represent my dad and my grandparents, you know, they broke down and cried and all our aunties, uncles called us, started buying gear and everything customising it all, it's just special.
“We just can't wait to go out there and represent them, do whatever we need to do, represent our culture and everything they've done for us growing up and yeah we're excited.
"We were both born and raised in Sydney, so there's a lot of family there. They’re definitely excited to go to the Tonga game and we've got both sides (Lebanese and Tongan) so it it's going to be packed.
"We’re trying to find some tickets for them, actually. There's a lot of family that’ll be there against Tonga and France so I can't wait to go out there and represent them.”
Tony added: “Hopefully you'll get to see our mum, she's full Tongan but hopefully she can wear the Lebanese jersey one for once".
While family support will be divided at CommBank Stadium, the brothers are just happy for the opportunity to play alongside each other for the first time at the World Cup.
Papua New Guinea v Lebanon – Round 1, 2026
“Growing up, all I did was idolise both my older brothers and to get to play with one of them, means everything to me,” Tupou said.
Tony is contracted to the Titans and Tupou is set to join the Top 30 at Brisbane next season.
“Everyone that has a brother in the NRL, you know you want to play with them one day and be able to represent our country together in the highest level of the game - that's just so special," Tony said.
“We never got to play with each other because I am a couple years older than him. But now to be able to play with him ... and to honour our last name ... it's just a dream come true to play with my little brother."
Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.
