Waterpolo may be on the brink of becoming a high-profile sport worldwide, as it is in Malta and in a number of European countries.

The good showing of the United States in Beijing as well as that of Australia is bound to generate further interest in this discipline in the other hemispheres.

Europe is the cradle of the game and the big names come from this continent. Players, particularly from countries like Hungary, Serbia, Croatia and now also Montenegro, are lured to ply their trade elsewhere with more prestigious club sides.

Italy and Spain have been the main recipients in this respect.

Serbian all-rounder Vlado Vujasinovic, engaged by Neptunes in 2007, is a typical example of this influx into the Italian game. With him, of course, there are others, especially from Hungary, Serbia and Croatia.

It is in this contest that the recruitment by Italian A1 side Bogliasco of Steve Camilleri, 20, gains in significance.

Camilleri, who left Malta last Tuesday, will now have a further taste of top class waterpolo after having had a spell with Partizan Belgrade earlier this year.

"It all started when Vujasinovic happened to mention my name to an ex-team-mate at Pro Recco, Daniele Bettini, who is now playing for Bogliasco," Camilleri disclosed.

After the engagement was finalised the Neptunes player was contracted to start his spell in September.

"I will be competing in the first round of the Coppa Italia which is to start this month," he said prior to leaving the island.

Referring to his previous experience in Serbia, Camilleri stressed that his stint there was very important since it helped him mature as a player and personally in general.

He said: "I signed a professional contract of one season as do all other foreigners in their first engagement in Italy. Of course, the season there fits perfectly with the local one, as like this I can be fully committed to both Neptunes and in this case Bogliasco.

"Hopefully this new experience will help to improve the physical side of my game, apart from the technical, and as a result benefit Neptunes.

"Waterpolo abroad is taken up professionally and one has to be fully dedicated mentally and physically."

When giving his opinion about the following the game enjoys in Malta as compared to that in other countries, Camilleri was very frank.

"Waterpolo in general is going through a hard time but I believe more can be done in Malta, as it is the main sport in summer."

Referring to the possible chances of extending his career abroad, Camilleri said: "Such an opportunity can help me make a name for myself abroad and hopefully lead to something more permanent."

Camilleri has an open-minded view on the subject of a more liberal recruitment of foreigners by Maltese clubs.

"In my opinion new faces bring excitement and they can help in improving the game. However, I believe that not just clubs should be investing in the sport, but also the association by exploiting the high-profile players to promote the sport further," he said.

The season just over for Camilleri, the 2007 Player of the Year and a prolific goalscorer as he topped the scoring charts several times, turned out to be very unlucky for him as he was sidelined for practically the whole summer with a finger injury.

When referring to his recovery in time for the commitments with Bogliasco, he played down this mishap.

"The league in Italy starts on October 11, which should give me enough time to fully recover," he said.

Indeed, waterpolo followers in Malta will wish Camilleri well in his forthcoming experience in the Italian top league.