Elias Vow: I'll Play In World Cup
Sun Herald
Sunday November 21, 1999
COLOURFUL rugby league identity John Elias has vowed to play in the World Cup next year despite his battle with cancer.
Elias had a large part of his stomach and pancreas removed a month ago, but he insisted on travelling to France this month to watch Lebanon vie for inclusion in the 16-team Coupe de Monde next year.
Each day he injected himself with drugs to keep his blood sugar level up and helped coach Steve Ghosn whenever he could.
Now the Cedars are just one win from qualifying. They must beat the United States tomorrow morning (Australian time) at Disneyworld Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.
``I'm going to play in the World Cup," Elias said. ``I don't want to go over there as assistant coach.
``I've got three more sessions of chemotherapy to go and I'm going to beat the cancer and make the World Cup my swan song.
``I owe it to my parents, for all they've done for me. We're all Australians in this side, but we're doing it for our parents."
Elias ranks Lebanon's performance at the Mediterranean Cup as the highlight of his career.
Not only did they qualify for the World Cup qualifying final, but they won the four-team tournament in France at the death.
Having flogged Morocco 104-0, Lebanon needed Italy to beat France at Avignon. Craig Salvatori's side held out a French rally to win 14-10.
Back in the Lebanese side tomorrow are skipper Darren Maroon and back-rower Sami Chamoun.
The US side include former StGeorge halfback David Nui, ex-Auckland prop Julian O'Neill, StHelens powerhouse Vila Matautia and England-based forwards Joe Faimalo and Marcus Vassilakopoulos.
© 1999 Sun Herald