Whitehaven sign Malta international

Whitehaven have announced the signing of Maltese international prop Dean Zammit.

The 27-year-old came through the Penrith Panthers’ academy system, before going on to play part-time for St Mary’s in the Ron Massey Cup competition.

He moved to the UK at the start of 2020 in the aim of securing a professional contract but experienced difficulties with his passport before the Covid-19 pandemic saw the Championship and League 1 seasons voided.

A nine-time Malta international, he has been playing for Wigan St Patricks in the National Conference League instead, and will now make the step up to Championship level in 2021.

“I just wanted to experience something different,” Zammit said. “It’s a different type of game over here.

“I’ve had a go in France before but really fancied giving the English game a go. I can’t wait to get going, get ripped into pre-season and meet all the lads.”

Whitehaven head coach Gary Charlton added: “I’m really pleased with Dean, what I’ve seen of him. He’s a good aggressive player, loves an offload. He brings different things to the team that we didn’t have last year.”