The Norwegian Rugby League national team arrived yesterday ahead of their European Shield decider against Malta at the Melita sports ground in Pembroke, to-morrow.
Almost at the same time as they filtered through the arrivals lounge, a contingent of three overseas-based Maltese players were also making their way in at the airport for the task of, together with the MRL Championship players, taking down the Scandinavians for the second successive season.
Malta’s injury concerns and player availability have been well documented but the locals are all out to win by the required 45 points and claim Europe’s third division of Rugby League.
The title can be won by either of tomorrow’s contestants as well as Germany who will captivatingly be awaiting the scoreline to filter through – shall Malta win by anything less than the required points differential.
Coach Warren Heilig is ex-pected to take the field himself for the Norwegians alongside his powerful forwards duo of Isaac Schmidt and Erik Sonny Mellor.
A draw or better for the Scandinavians will be enough for a debut European Shield tournament victory.
Malta will hold their final training this evening at Swatar.