Jake Grace is the first to admit playing for Malta, against the Philippines of all sides, is something he never thought he’d do during his rugby league playing days.
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But on Saturday at Cabramatta, the 25-year-old did just that, helping the Maltese Knights claim a memorable 44-26 win over the Tamaraws in their emerging nations international clash.
Malta was down 16-10 at half-time, but emerged the stronger in the second half, running in 26 points in very quick time late in the contest to secure victory.
Grace said the occasion was a unique one for himself and his family, with his maternal grandfather’s Maltese heritage enabling the Forbes Magpies captain-coach to honour his family’s beginnings.
“My pop is full Maltese and I’m obviously Australian, but to be able to go out there and support where he is from and his culture, it made him really proud … and I enjoy making him proud,” Grace said.
Grace, who led Forbes to last year’s Group 11 premiership, was surprised by the standard from both sides on Saturday.
“It was a hard game,” he said.
“I didn’t know what to expect because it was the first time I’d played with these boys and the first time I’ve come up against a side like the Philippines.
“But they hit hard and were very tough in that first half.
Mallta’s next fixture is not determined, but could go a long way to help the side push for the 2021 World Cup.