Elie El-Zakhem


Elie El-Zakhem is a Lebanon international rugby league footballer who plays as a forward for the Western Suburbs Magpies in the NSW Cup.
He has previously played for the Canterbury Bulldogs, the Parramatta Eels, the Sydney Roosters and the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup.

Club career

North Sydney Bears

On 24 September 2023, El-Zakhem played for North Sydney in their 2023 NSW Cup grand final loss against South Sydney.

Castleford Tigers

On 29 September 2023, the Castleford Tigers announced the signing of El-Zakhem on a two-year deal from the 2024 Super League season. He would be joining his Lebanon teammate Charbel Tasipale at the Tigers upon recommendation from former Castleford player Jordan Rankin.
El-Zakhem was assigned squad number 11 ahead of the 2024 season. He made his Super League debut for Castleford in round 1 against the Wigan Warriors.

Mackay Cutters

On 23 November 2024 it was reported that he would join Mackay Cutters in the Queensland Cup for the 2025 season. He underwent pre-season training with the North Queensland Cowboys before returning to Sydney to join the Western Suburbs Magpies in the NSW Cup.

International career

El-Zakhem made his international debut for Lebanon in their 56-14 loss to Fiji in the 2019 Pacific Test.
In September 2022, El-Zakhem was named in the Lebanon squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. He featured in every game for the Cedars, making 4 appearances and scoring 2 tries.