Wales-based players get Malta call-up

Three Wales-based players have been named in Malta rugby league’s train-on squad to face Norway on June 4 in Hamrun, Malta.

In addition to new Crusaders star Jarrod Sammut, who has already played five full internationals for Malta, Cardiff Demons’ duo, brothers Paul and Shaun Bartlett have been selected.

Sammut’s appearance in the match will be dependent on his Crusaders’ commitments.

The one-off game is for the annual European Bowl, the third level of European international competition after the European Cup and European Shield. This was originally going to be part of a three-team tournament but Belgium have pulled out leaving Malta v Norway as the lone fixture.

Cardiff Demons’ team manager Gavin Walker says that the Cardiff duo are raring to go.

“We are thrilled when anyone from the Demons gain representative honours and we are delighted for Paul and Shaun,” said Walker. “There have both been part of the club for few years now and are good players. We wish them all best and we hope that they come back from Malta with a win. This is great news for club and is an addition to the many Super League and international players we have produced in the past.”

Other international players to have come out of Cardiff Demons include Elliot Kear, Gareth Dean, Aled James and John Breakingbury plus Gethin Jenkins who has gone on to play rugby union for Wales and the British and Irish Lions.

Other names to note in the Malta train-on squad are 18-year-old Parramatta Eels centre Charlie Bonanno and Michael Vella, the Hull KR skipper.