London Broncos have confirmed the return to the club of halfback Jarrod Sammut on a two-year contract from 2017.
Sammut, 29, began his career with Penrith Panthers in the NRL, before a move to Super League in 2010 saw him sign with the Crusaders, when he made a memorable debut at the Magic Weekend in Edinburgh.
Sammut has since played for Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Wildcats, where he enjoyed dual-registration spells with Featherstone Rovers, London Broncos (making four appearances), and Workington, later signing a more permanent deal with the Cumbrian side.
Sammut has represented Malta at both Rugby League and union, and he confirmed that a return to London was something he couldn’t say no to.
“I’m really pleased to be returning to London – my time with the Broncos in 2015 was short and sweet, but something I really enjoyed and I’m looking forward to being a part of it again,” commented Sammut.
“The Broncos have achieved something pretty special this last season, and you can tell it’s a team that worked very hard to be in the position they’re in now. Their teamwork as a playing squad is second to none, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in what 2017 may hold.
“I’d also like to thank everyone at Workington for the last two years. This season in particular has been one of highs and lows, but I’m grateful for every memory of my time with Town. I’ll be keeping an eye on Worky in League One next year, and wish the boys all the very best.”
London’s head coach, Andrew Henderson, said he was pleased to have secured the Australian star for his contributions both on and off the field.
“Jarrod’s a talented and exciting playmaker, there’s no doubt about it,” said Henderson.
“He has generally been known for his attacking ability and has been described as a maverick, but I have seen him mature as a player in recent seasons. He has demonstrated he can manage and read the game well, which is an important trait of a halfback.
“At 29, he’s got a vast array of experience to his name, including a wealth of NRL and Super League experience and more recently in the Championship. He has also represented Malta in the past and has worked with Malta Rugby League in assisting with the development of the game there.
“Jarrod enjoyed his brief stint with the club when he was on dual-registration from Wakefield for a few weeks back in 2015, so it wasn’t a hard decision for him to come back to us on a full-time basis. He is a competitor with a will to win and he’ll work hard for the good of the team – as he did with Workington.
“Jarrod certainly strengthens our halfback division and will be healthy competition for Will Barthau and Api Pewhairangi, who are both fantastic players also.”
