Dubbo talent Zarrin Galea on his football journey taking him to France and representing Malta

Representing Malta has always been at the forefront of Zarrin Galea’s mind, and the Dubbo-raised 22-year-old is set to add another international cap to his name this weekend. Here’s his story.

Zarrin Galea will line up for Malta against Chile this weekend. Picture: Malta Rugby League

Every chance Zarrin Galea gets to put on the Maltese jersey he jumps at.

This weekend will be no different for the 22-year-old as he dons the red and white once again as Malta takes on Chile at Forshaw Park, Sylvania on Saturday (1pm).

His journey in the national colours started as a teenager coming through the pathways and into the main squad, as he honours his dad’s side.

“I started when I was 15 in the pathways and played the junior national team,” Galea said.

“I didn’t make my test match debut until 2021 in Turkey for the World Cup qualifiers. Since then I’ve played in as many fixtures as I can.

“Half of my family is from Malta and I’m very proud to be Maltese, to represent the team and my heritage. The feeling is second to none.

“My dad has lived over there for the past eight or nine years. Whenever the games are streamed he tunes in, and when they’re played over in Malta he offers a hand wherever he can.”

Galea’s football journey in 2023 has seen him play competitively in both France and Penrith, where he jumped at the opportunity to play abroad.

“This season I came back from playing in Salon-de-Provence to finished the year with St Pat’s in the Penrith competition,” he said.

“The lifestyle over there is unreal. It’s everything that people say it is. It was such an eye opener at a young age and it helped me mature a bit and helped me realise what I want to do in life.

“It came about when I was playing in Bulgaria for Malta. I was with my best mate who just moved to France for the team I eventually signed for.

“I was visiting him and was only meant to be there for three weeks. All I had was my backpack and footy boots.

Zarrin Galea will line up for Malta against Chile this weekend. Picture: Malta Rugby League

“I asked if they were willing to take me on, and they did. So I rang my boss in Brisbane, quit my job and the rest is history.”

Making big moves is nothing new for Galea, after venturing from his hometown of Dubbo to Brisbane to play U21s with the Redcliffe Dolphins.

It’s something Galea is prepared to do again next year as he looks to continue chasing his dreams.

“I lived there for three years,” he said.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Chase my dreams, be in a pro system and try and go as far as I can.

“I hope to be paying a bit of NSW or Queensland Cup next year.”

The immediate task at hand is taking down Chile, and Galea said redemption is on the minds of the Knights after defeat to Italy a fortnight ago.

“Our boys want to bounce back and play the footy we know we can,” he said.

“The loss against Italy hurt. We know we’re better than that. We’re looking forward to a new challenge and proving that we can be up there with some of the best.”

Originally published as Dubbo talent Zarrin Galea on his football journey taking him to France and representing Malta