The Rugby League European Championship C tournament kicks off today with Spain, who beat Latvia in a pre-qualifier, hosting Malta at the at Polideportivo Cuatre Carreres Stadium, Valencia (kick off 19.00).

It will be the first time the nations have met. With Greece the third country in the competition, the winner will join seeds Wales and Ireland along with Russia, Italy and Serbia in the 2016 European qualifiers for the 2017 World Cup.

Malta interim player/coach Chris Parker feels that his side has gelled over the summer.

“We’re looking forward to playing another new nation,” he said. “We had a great warm-up against Ireland two weeks ago and need to set that as the standard we play.

“We know Spain are coming off the back of an impressive win against the Italians and will be confident going into the game.

“We’re expecting a fast pace and a high skill level. ”

The Spaniards warmed up for their clash with Malta by beating Italy ‘B’ 36-24 last weekend in Alicante.

Malta squad
Jeremy Dela (Birmingham Bulldogs), Jean Pierre Zarb (Crusaders RL), Justin Barlogio (DC Slayers), Chris Parker (Gateshead Storm), Joseph Pio Mizzi, Pete Ingham, Robin Cutajar, Sam Firth, Shan Francois Hussain, Zach Micallef (Gozo Gladiators), Jonathan Wallace (London Broncos), Danny Burke (London Skolars), Christian Briffa, Joe Paolella, Pete Debono, Sam Blyton-Keep (Malta Origin RL), Jake Mamo (Newcastle Knights), Andrew Muscat, Jake Lynch (Salford City Roosters), Jarrod Sammut (Workington Town).

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