MALTA FORCED INTO SQUAD CHANGES

20 Jul 2011

The Malta Rugby League (MRL) has made the following changes to it's 25-man national team squad. Malta coach Anthony Micallef (pictured) has replaced the following players:

-       Justin Barlogio (North RL) for Justin Genovese (Penrith Panthers)

-       Shan Francois Hussain (Gozo RL) for Daniel Grima (North RL)

-       Dom Grima (West Bowling) for Vince Stivala (North RL)

-       Liam Grima (Dudley Hill) for Andrew Zammit Manduca (North RL)

Micallef says he will not settle on his starting team until the final hours before the match against Germany on July 23. The 29-year-old said “It’s been an awkward preparation, much of the unknown with players falling to injury and unavailability due to work and exams. We’ve applied to the RLEF with all the necessary paperwork and they have granted us permission for the new players to join the squad.” Micallef added, “It's a tough five days before kick off for sure, but the boys are looking very much forward to it, and they will be ready”