Thunder set to sign Malta star

Sunday 13th December 2009

Above: Roderick Attard - pictured in Malta.

Malta Rugby League international Roderick Attard is on the verge of becoming the first Maltese born and bred rugby player to be contracted to a professional rugby league club abroad when he signs with the Gateshead Thunder this week.

The 25-year old Attard returned from a trial with the Co-operative Championship One outfit where he was included in the club's plans for 2010 by Thunder director of Rugby Chris Hood.

Attard said "I was thrilled when I got to know that I was selected to go for a trial with the Gateshead thunder.  I was prepared to do my best to take full advantage of this opportunity. The trial was a success since a few days later I was told I would be part of the squad".

Attard believes the spread of Rugby League to Malta has helped him gain this chance to join the professional ranks.

"This opportunity would not have come if it were not for the development work being conducted by the Malta Rugby League. And I thank them for their support and that of the investment by the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF) who is showing faith in the future that lies here in the Maltese Islands for rugby league".

Thunder director of rugby Chris Hood said Attard is "definitely a rough diamond, there's no doubt he needs work, but he's a talented guy"

"His defence is very good, his fitness is good too, but we will work on his attack a little.

"He's got all the attributes we're looking for and now all we need to do is hone those".

Attard has returned home to Malta to tie up loose ends and is likely to return to Gateshead sometime after Christmas.