Rugby League Europe Federation (RLEF) commissioner Jovan Vujosevic was present yesterday for the launching of the European Bowl match between Malta and Norway which will be played tonight at the Tedesco Stadium (start: 7 p.m.).
The two nations will face each other for the first time as Vujosevic underlined the importance of the match in his organisation's bid to promote the sport throughout the continent.
Rugby League in Malta is still developing, Vujosevic said, but although there are only two clubs here the RLEF is still satisfied with the progress made in recent years.
This is a normal population-to-teams average, he said, compared to bigger countries like Georgia and Russia.
"As part of the ongoing development of Rugby League in Malta, the clubs are visiting schools and holding training sessions for students to follow," Vujosevic, of Serbia, said.
"We believe that's the way to go as the foundations for all sport to grow lay in youth levels. Rugby League is different from other codes as we strive to make our sport more appealing, focusing on fast-paced matches and easy regulations."
The MRL League starts in November. Friendly matches will be played against South London and Lancashire in the build-up to the competition.
Head coach Anthony Micallef said the European Bowl match is crucial for the Knights to go further up in the rankings. The aim is to participate in the 2013 World Cup. A win tonight would boost the country's chances of figuring in the qualifiers, starting in 2011.
"Rugby League is developing rapidly and we are doing our utmost to enhance the sport," Micallef said.
"Against Norway, we're urging the Maltese public to give us their support and help us remain unbeaten. Since our debut in 2005, we've played three times and won all three matches."
Micallef said the Ħamrun ground was an ideal venue for Rugby League matches.
"The Tedesco Stadium has the best pitch in Malta for this type of game," Micallef said.
"In future, we hope this venue will become the home ground for our national team."
Norway, meanwhile, are geared up for the match also buoyed by the fine weather that allows plenty of time for training.
"Back home we struggle a lot because of the weather but here it's perfect," coach Warren Heilig said.
"We've been in this organisation for 18 months now but we're sure this match will be a tough one. Malta have such a strong squad with experienced players."