World Cup star tipped for big things and could push ahead of ex-Hull FC star and former Leeds Rhinos target

The Rugby League World Cup was home to plenty of breakout stars including that of young Lebanon halfback Khaled Rajab who according to Zerotackle is pushing for a place in Canterbury Bulldogs.

This comes after Canterbury chief Phil Gould tweeted that he expects him to make his debut in the NRL next year which could be bad news for two star halfbacks.

These are of course former Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC target Kyle Flanagan who reportedly rejected a Super League move in the summer.

Meanwhile, former Hull FC star Josh Reynolds is on a train and trial deal at the club and hoping to nail a spot in the top 30 and push for spot in the halves.

But with this young halfback shining so brightly and expected to feature in the halves moving forward making it tougher for both of them.

Rajab himself has spoken about the upcoming season and his prospects.

“I heard about that tweet,” Rajab told the Daily Telegraph.

“Some of my mates sent it to me saying ‘look what Gus said about you’. I was shocked.

“As a kid, that’s what you dream of. For Gus to even mention I might have a chance to play NRL, I’m grateful. It makes me want to work harder to get that shot.”

He even looked up to Reynolds as a Canterbury fan but one other player was more of an inspiration: “I grew up watching guys like Josh Reynolds, Trent Hodkinson and Josh Morris.

“But because of my background, Hazem El Masri stood out a lot.

“Even though we played different positions, watching another Lebanese player on the field, it was good to see.

“There are a couple of Muslims in the NRL, and I don’t think there are any who are Lebanese heritage. It would mean the world, not just for me but for the community.

“The Bulldogs have a lot of Muslim supporters, they come from my culture, my background. I just want to be a role model for them and show parents rugby league can be a career.

“I want to be a figure they look up to, and show everyone that if you want to work hard, you can make it.”