Michael Cheika couldn't resist the pull of coaching Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup - despite already being boss of Argentina's rugby union team.
The 55-year-old, who learned his trade in the 13-man code in Sydney before becoming an accomplished player and coach in union, is the son of Lebanese immigrants to Australia and rightly very proud of his heritage.
Former Wallabies coach Cheika has threatened to return to his league roots in recent years, taking on an advisory role with the Sydney Roosters following his exit from the Australia job.
He has also been linked with a raft of NRL head coach roles and has spoken publicly of his interest in managing a side in the world's premier domestic rugby league competition.
Cheika was named Lebanon boss ahead of the scheduled World Cup in the autumn of 2021 and maintained the role despite being appointed Argentina's union coach.
The World Cup was delayed by 12 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but Cheika carried on in the Lebanon role and was adamant he would be the man to lead the Cedars through the tournament.
“It was too good to say no to,” he told The Guardian. “I never thought I’d be able to represent my family’s heritage in this way. I’m incredibly proud of my Lebanese roots, as are my entire family.
"My old man isn’t here anymore, he passed away, but my mum will be glued to the games I’m sure, and really proud that our family is doing something to try and put a smile on the faces of the people of Lebanon.
“Giving the people of Lebanon the chance to have an hour or two free of the worries that they face on a daily basis. They’ll see their colours, the cedar tree, their players trying to make Lebanon proud.
"We’re a proud nation and Lebanese sport doesn’t really get many moments in the spotlight like this. To take their worries away, even for just a few hours, and give them something to smile about means a lot to me.”
When the draw was made and Lebanon were placed into a group with New Zealand, Ireland and Jamaica - progression to the quarter-finals became a very realistic proposition.
They would need to finish in the top two of their group, and were fancied by most to progress alongside the Kiwis given the NRL talent at Cheika's disposal.
And after their 32-14 victory over Ireland on Sunday, that now looks extremely likely.
They still need to defeat minnows Jamaica to make absolutely sure, but it looks for all the world Lebanon will play their last-eight clash, probably against Australia, on November 4 in Huddersfield.
And that poses a problem for Cheika.
Argentina play England at Twickenham just 48 hours later on November 6, meaning Cheika will have to decide his schedule for the week - and whether or not he can realistically coach in both matches.
But it won't come as a surprise to the man who proudly describes himself as 'Australian-Lebanese', with the potential for the clash having been in his mind for some time.
“I tell you something … that would be a fun week,” he said. "We’ll find a way. The talks have been held already about that so there’s no problem there. If it happens, then it’s a good problem to have but all parties know the situation.
"It’ll be a busy few days, but an enjoyable few days.”
