Ukrainian internationals doing country proud: Players to watch at Beer Footy & Food Festival
Rugby League is a tough game for anyone who plays, but the few trying to play in Ukraine have put new meaning on the word tough.
Despite going through a war, rugby league staffers have kept games running in the country, with a contingent of Australian based players looking to show a strong front this weekend when they take on Thailand at North Sydney Oval.
One of those players, halfback Daniel Janissen, who has played in the Ukraine national team, is using his fellow countrymen as inspirations for what they have accomplished in the last few years.
'What they are doing on the ground in Ukraine is amazing,' Janissen said.
'Building the sport in the country and keeping it going while the country is in the midst of a war, it's very inspiring.'
While many will look at Sunday's clash as an exhibition match, Ukraine Tridents will have a few eager fans keeping track overseas.
'The boys that are over there follow what we do pretty closely, and they're very proud,' Janissen said.
'It makes us very happy that people on the other side of the world have the same pride and passion that we do, when we put on the jersey.'
Janissen is only one of many players who will take the field on Sunday, with the Beer Footy & Food Festival hosting three international matches before North Sydney play Penrith in NSW Cup.
The Philippines will be coached by former Melbourne Storm and Waratah player Paul Sheedy who will be looking to continue to build into a strong international season.
With Latin Heat taking on the Philippines, Ukraine v Thailand, and Africa United against Lebanon, here are some of the players representing your country this weekend.
Daniel Janissen
Country: Ukraine
Age: 37
Position: Halfback
Club: Cardiff Cobras
Job: Carpenter
Represented Ukraine in recent World Cup Qualifiers last year. Played rep football with the Newcastle Knights and played First Grade in the Newcastle Competition.
Daniel wouldn't be able to still play rugby league if it wasn't for the ongoing support from his partner Paris.
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Kurt Russell Lavado Warren
Country: Philippines
Age: 25
Position: Utility
Club: St. Patricks JRLC
Job: Carpenter
Proudly half Australian and half Filipino, currently living in Seven Hills. For nearly six years, Kurt has been working as a carpenter, a trade he's deeply passionate about and genuinely enjoys.
One of his biggest goals is to one day debut for the Philippine Tamaraws.
Khalil Rahme
Country: Lebanon
Age: 24
Position: Front row
Club: Bulldogs
Job: Teachers Aide/Support Worker
Rugby League is a passion of mine and has been influential throughout Khalil's whole life. Coming from a family deeply connected to the sport, Khalil has been fortunate to pursue my passion while balancing training, full-time work, and university studies. Khalil's other passion is working as a disability support worker and teacher's aide.
Alex Berger
Country: Ukraine
Age: 26
Position: Second Row
Club: RAN Tridents
Job: ADF
Alex's grandmother (Vera McSwaine) on his Mother's side is a Ukrainian born who escaped Ukraine under the Soviet Union banner as a young child with her family.
They managed to flee and make it to Australia via Italy and settled down in Brisbane during the 1950s.
Liam Byrnes
Country: Philippines
Age: 19
Position: Front row
Club: Hills Bulls
Job: Gym Reception
Born in the Philippines, Liam moved to Wellington in rural NSW. He spent most of his life playing rugby, playing in some junior representative sides, but once he played his first game for the junior Tamaraws at 17, he knew he had to switch back to league. Not once in his life did he ever think he would get the opportunities given to him. Liam is humbled, honoured, and thankful.
Adam Meslemani
Country: Lebanon
Age: 19
Position: Centre
Club: Ryde Eastwood Hawks
Job: Plumber
Adam is half Australian and half Lebanese. He grew up playing for Strathfield Raiders & Concord Burwood Wolves and have always loved the game. Adam's dream is to make the NRL one day and make his family proud who have always supported him through his entire journey.
Tom Mencinsky
Country: Ukraine
Age: 29
Position: Front row
Club: Sydney Oysters
Job: Finance
Growing up playing rugby union, Tom never thought league would play such a big role in his life. Having four grandparents born in Ukraine, Tom's heritage and culture runs very strong and he's proud to represent his family and where they have come from.
Pat Phakhanam
Country: Philippines
Age: 18
Position: Lock
Club: Carina Juniors Brisbane
Job: Real Estate Agent
Pat Phakhanam is a proud Filipino – Thai athlete who has been immersed in rugby league since the age of 11, rising through the ranks at Carina Juniors. Off the field, Pat balances a dual career as a real estate agent and a dedicated disability support worker, all while studying. These roles reflect his strong work ethic, reliability, and compassion. With deep roots in both his community and heritage, Pat's ultimate ambition is to break into the Queensland Cup with the Easts Tigers and represent the Philippines on the international stage.
Ben Edwards
Country: Ukraine
Age: 30
Position: Fullback
Club: Cessnock Goannas
Job: Oaks Minor Hotel's Cypress Lakes
A proud East Maitland griffins junior & former representative of the Newcastle Knights from 15s through to the under 20s squad, Ben has had the privilege to represent C. C. C Country, The Newcastle rebels & play alongside some greats like Mitch Barnett and Mitchell Moses.
Ibrahim Elcheikh
Country: Lebanon
Age: 20
Position: Prop
Club: Blacktown Workers
Job: Electrician
Ibrahim has been playing footy all my life. Not only is it a hobby and something he enjoys but it's a passion. It keeps him disciplined. Ibrahim sets new goals and higher standards and pushes his limits until they're achieved.
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