Jarrod Sammut, Barrow’s star half-back, may be 35 years of age – and often a targeted man – but he has no intention of retiring just yet.
Indeed Sammut wants to pass on his experience as an established player, especially to his Maltese team-mates as he prepares for the next international with Lebanon on Wednesday, June 22.
Australia-born Sammut, who qualifies for Malta through his paternal grandparents, is set to make his eighth international appearance for them.
Last month he scored a hat-trick of tries and kicked nine goals as Malta rolled over Montenegro 66-6, but insists it’s not about amassing personal points.
“For me personally it’s not about the individual points haul but more a great effort by the team to come away with a win which we’ve been desperate for,” he told the sport’s trade paper Rugby League Express.
“My body is holding up really well. I’ve got some years left in me. I’m feeling great and still loving the game.
“It would be a step back if I didn’t pass on my knowledge and experience. That’s why I love playing for Malta.”
The game with Montenegro was played in Malta at the football club Mosta’s stadium and Sammut was dull of praise for the work done to get the game on there.
“It’s great for the international game as a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make these matches happen and the Maltese community really got behind us,” he said.
It’s Sammut’s second spell in Cumbria as he was a big hit at Workington under Phil Veivers playing 37 games across 2015 and 2016. He scored 33 tries, kicked 77 goals and also put over three field goals,
His career had started with Penrith Panthers in Australia and since coming to the UK he’s also played for London Broncos (three spells), Bradford, Featherstone, Wakefield, Crusaders, Wigan and Leigh.
