The Maltese Rugby League Association (MRLA) have cancelled their proposed tour to Papua New Guinea for financial reasons, and are now channelling their energy towards a rugby league international in Sydney on 8 October.

MRLA president Mark Sultana said “we (Malta) had a strong playing squad ready for the Port Moresby fixture: however, Malta must come first and finances won’t allow us to go through with Papua New Guinea while continuing our efforts for development in Malta”

“If we were to commit to this tour, it would have left us with nothing financially and you cannot run a governing body with no funds at your disposal.”

“Michael Vella from the Parramatta Eels and Shane Shackleton from the Sydney Roosters were set to make their representative honours known for Malta”

“The MRLA will now engage our efforts into an international fixture in front of Malta’s largest community outside of Malta itself…Sydney” said Sultana.

Maltese rugby league officials took the game of rugby league to Malta in 2005 staging an international rugby league friendly against England’s national amateur team – the England Lionhearts.

Malta defeated England Lionhearts 36-6 and have since appointed a development representative in Malta.