Courtesy of the Catholic Weekly Newspaper, Australia

While most of the NRL’s elite players relaxed on their end of season holidays, Penrith halfback Jarrod Sammut ventured to the land of his ancestors in the Mediterranean islands of Malta.

But this wasn’t just a holiday, far from it.

Jarrod, 21, an international with the Sydney-based Malta Knights, took two weeks from his short off season to make his second voyage in less than 12 months to the tiny islands to promote and develop rugby league in the fledgling RL nation.

In amidst the heavy schedule of training, media commitments and coaching clinics, this rising league star couldn’t help but feel a “religious connection”.

“You see crosses and churches everywhere and just about everyone you see in Malta are wearing crosses around their necks or they have a religious tattoo somewhere on their body, so you definitely feel it,” he said.

“It gives you a bit of a buzz.”

He added: “I have a strong belief in God and I do believe things happen for a reason, not just coincidental.”

After making a significant impact in the NRL competition towards the end of the 2007 season, Jarrod admits a ‘daily ritual of motivation’ by way of revered quotes that he too shares with those around him.

“Quotes ... I’d say I live by them,” says Jarrod, the grandson of a Maltese migrant to Australia.

“I try to put them into my everyday living and I’m always sharing my quotes with family and friends, depending on their situation.”

Playing with a pink wrist band to commemorate his grandmother who died of breast cancer, he said: “I find it helps me with motivation and keeping me on track.”

During his stay, Jarrod stayed in Sliema, on the northeast coast where his grandfather grew up.

“I find Malta itself is an amazing place,” he said.

“But I feel an attachment to Sliema, knowing where my family heritage originated.”

While some of his team mates played in the World Cup in Australia, Jarrod was setting his sights on helping Malta qualify for the 2013 competition.

“I feel Malta have come a long way in such a short period of time,” he said.

“We’re a very competitive team and believe in our ability, and with the high quality of coaching staff we have, we are gaining more international experience each year.

“Come next World Cup in 2013, Malta will be a force.”