Italy take on Malta tomorrow (Saturday) in a men’s senior international for world ranking points at Lidcombe Oval, Sydney (kick off 3.30pm, local time).
Italy include nine who played in the World Cup last year, head coach Leo Epifania saying: “We are looking forward to the match after a tough but promising RLWC campaign. Our team will look different to the World Cup team with some of our younger hopefuls getting the opportunity to show their talent.”
Malta include Barrow Raider’s Jarrod Sammut who played in the recent wins over Montenegro and Bulgaria. David Axisa, their team manager, notes: “Aaron McDonald has been able to put together an outstanding group. What is most pleasing for MRL is our junior pathways are continually producing a healthy amount of players to perform at international level. The squad includes a good mix of incumbent players and those who have proved extremely competent in our previous junior programmes.”
Beforehand, there are a number of heritage matches involving U16s boys and girls, U18s boys and open age women.
ITALY SQUAD
Daniel Atkinson, Kyle Pickering (Newtown), Dominic Biondi (Wynnum Manly), Matthew Bonanno (Brothers), Jack Colovatti (Wentworthville), Matthew Craparotta (Mounties), Luke Hodge (Roosters), Anton Iaria, Mason Iaria, Todd Sapienza (St Marys), Bryce Magnone (Dragons), Alexander Myles (Emu Plains), Damien Nati, Nicholas Lenaz (Eels), Josh Natoli (Matraville), Rinaldo Palumbo (Goannas), Jack Piccirilli (Dapto), Alec Susino (Picton), Joseph Tramontana (Blacktown)
MALTA SQUAD
Jarrod Sammut (Barrow Raiders), Dylan Hodson (Brothers), Logan Sipple (Central Coast Roosters), Blake Phillips (Collegians), Will Exton (Hawkesbury Hawks), Luke Sherry (Hills District), Jordan Xuereb (Jamberoo), Zachary Vella (Moorebank Rams), Anthony Bucca (Mounties), Ryley Smith (Penrith Panthers), Jake Zammit (Redcliffe Dolphins), Ryan Azzopardi (Riverstone), Tyler Cassel (Ryde Eastwood), Lucas Borg (Shellharbour Stingrays), Zarrin Galea (St Patricks), Carlo Cassar (Unattached), Kyle Cassel (Wentworthville), Tyson Jackson (West Harbour), Connor McDermott (Western Suburbs Mackay).