The Sharks have appointed Malta head coach Joe Grima as assistant coach (to Ricky Stuart) to their NRL team.

A founding director of the Malta Rugby League (MRL) in 2004, Grima was head coach of the Sharks U-20’s team in 2009, a role he will also maintain in 2010.

Settling into his new role at the Sharks, Grima says his job is the ‘most exciting’ and ‘time consuming’ role ever, but he loves every minute of it.

“Having the chance to work with Ricky (Stuart) is a dream come true. Just watching him communicate with the players is second to none” says Grima.

Malta Rugby League (MRL) President Mark Sultana congratulated Grima saying: “On behalf of the MRL Board and its committee we’d like to congratulate Joey on this fine. Joey is a hard worker and knows his stuff when it comes to coaching rugby league”

Grima is also a Life Member of the Parramatta Eels District Rugby League Football Club.