Matt King takes Lebanon coaching role for World Cup

Former Warrington centre Matt King has been appointed as assistant to Lebanon head coach Michael Cheika for the 2021 World Cup.

King, 40, won back-to-back Challenge Cups with the Wolves during his four seasons in Super League from 2008-11 and is currently assistant coach at Sydney Roosters.

He said: “The chance to work with Michael is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one that I’m very grateful for.

“Working closely with him and the players to build a style of rugby league that the Lebanon fans can be proud of is a job that I take very seriously and one that I’m very excited for.”

Cheika, who was coach of Australia’s rugby union team from 2014 until stepping down after their quarter-final defeat by England at the 2019 World Cup, took over from Brad Fittler as coach of the Cedars and was recently appointed director of rugby at Japan’s Green Rockets.

He said: “I am very pleased that Matt is joining our group. His experience and acumen speak for itself and we are growing to our strengths through his addition to the leadership team.”

Lebanon reached the quarter-finals of the 2017 World Cup, where they were beaten 24-22 by Tonga.

It was only the second time they had reached the World Cup, the previous being in 2000, and it helped them earn automatic qualification for 2021.

They are in Group C alongside New Zealand, Jamaica and Ireland.