The Maltese national team have moved up seven places to 20th in the Rugby League International Federation rankings. It is the highest world ranking ever held by Malta.
Just ahead are Germany (17), Norway (18) and Russia (19), while a considerable gap exists with the nations trailing behind – Canada (21) and Latvia (22).
The national team’s recent European Shield campaign saw them finish runners-up to Germany.
Australia are ranked first while world champions New Zealand are second and England third.
Top 10: 1. Australia, 2. New Zealand, 3. England, 4. Papua New Guinea, 5. France, 6. Samoa, 7. Wales, 8. Fiji, 9. Tonga, 10. Scotland.