NRL half-back commits international allegiance to Malta

Josh McAllister
Sean O'Sullivan NRL

NRL and Penrith Panthers half-back Sean O’Sullivan has shared his intentions to represent Malta in the future.

O’Sullivan, 23, has made 25 NRL appearances to date, scoring three tries. He has made four appearances during the current campaign for club Penrith Panthers.

The Australian-born player qualifies for Malta through the heritage rule.

He made his NRL debut in 2018 for the Sydney Roosters against Gold Coast Titans, crossing for a try. The half-back signed a two-year deal with Brisbane for the 2019 and 2020 seasons, before switching to New Zealand Warriors.

He joined Ivan Cleary’s side on a one-year deal ahead of the current season, and remains off-contract beyond 2022.

Malta face Lebanon in a mid-season international test on Wednesday, June 22, at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney. It will be Lebanon’s first game since 2019 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it will also be Michael Cheika’s first game in charge of the Cedars. It will act as preparation for their Rugby League World Cup campaign later this year in England. 

More on Malta and Lebanon

Malta recently defeated Montenegro 66-6 on home soil, led by Barrow half-back Jarrod Sammut. The former Wigan and London man racked up 30 points in a stunning individual display earlier in May.

Sammut, 35, could link up with Malta once again for their test against Lebanon. He could link up with O’Sullivan in the near-future, with the next World Cup locked in for 2025 in France.

Lebanon will feature at this year’s Rugby League World Cup in England. They will feature in Group C alongside Ireland, Jamaica and New Zealand. Lebanon open their campaign on Sunday, October 16, against New Zealand at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium.

The Cedars face Ireland the following week at Leigh Sports Village, before finishing their group stages at the same venue against Jamaica.

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