The Malta Rugby League (MRL) has announced that Jarrod Sammut (photo) will be assisting with the development of Rugby League in Malta during a two-week visit.

Sammut, 21, has made four international appearances for Malta since his debut in 2006 and is the only current professional Rugby League player to ever visit Malta on development duties.

MRL Operations Manager Anthony Micallef commented, “Jarrod is a specially talented individual with lots of Rugby League knowledge and it is outstanding that Maltese locals have the opportunity to learn from such a professional athlete.”

He added: “There are some players here (in Malta) that are still practising skills that Jarrod taught them on his last visit 12 months ago.”

In 2008, the livewire halfback played 11 games and scored 70 points for the Penrith Panthers in Australia’s elite NRL competition. Sammut said: “The reason Malta couldn’t take part in qualifying for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup is that Malta does not have a domestic competition.

“With the right development in place, players can form a progressive local competition. After we’ve proven ourselves at domestic level, we can figure in qualifying for the next World Cup in 2013. I’ve seen the talent in Malta first hand and I want to help with the development of the locals where I can. With the players coming through in Malta, we can have a good shot at qualifying for the next World Cup,” concluded Sammut.

For more information, one may contact Anthony Micallef on 7981 2699 or email [email protected]