Experienced half back Jarrod Sammut has joined Barrow Raiders for their return to the Championship next season.
The 34-year-old has linked up with Paul Crarey’s side for pre-season as the team prepare for their campaign in the second tier following them winning the League One title and promotion in 2021.
Sammut has made more than 250 career appearances, including stints with Penrith Panthers, Bradford Bulls, London Broncos, Leigh Centurions and Wigan Warriors.
In 2015/16 he played 37 games for Workington Town, scoring 33 tries and kicking 77 goals.
Although born in New South Wales, Australia he has also won six caps for Malta, scoring 11 tries and brings a wealth of experience to the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium.
“I think the club has shown real momentum over the last few seasons and more notably winning the league last season,” said Sammut.
“I’d spoken to Andy Gaffney and Steve Neale at length in terms of the club’s strength and potential moving forward and obviously expectations for the coming season.
“Stacky (Jarrad Stack) was also blowing my phone up constantly and throwing in his two cents worth!
“Adding that older, more experienced head amongst a group of lads eager to push on from the high of promotion and keep competing with the top teams I think puts us in good stead heading into the new season, with a nothing to lose so to speak attitude.
“Personally, I want to push for play-offs and give the competition a real shake.”
On the signing, head coach Paul Crarey said: “The signing of Jarrod Sammut is a great coup for us as a team and the club.
“Not only does he bring a wealth of experience in the game at the highest level, he will also add even more X-factor to our offensive options.
“Jarrod is still an ambitious professional and a born winner. We look forward to him entertaining our fans and helping us bring the success the club deserves.”
On the latest addition, Chairman Steve Neale added: “We fought off a lot of interest from other clubs but we were determined to land a big name before the start of the season.
“Jarrod is top end Championship quality and is in great shape. We feel we have gone under the radar a little but with the likes of Jarrod, Josh Wood, Hakim Miloudi, Gary Wheeler, Adam Walne, Sam Brooks, Danny Langtree and Ryan Shaw, we have a squad that has performed well at a high level.
“The Championship promises to be a fantastic competition and we are looking forward to being in the mix of contenders.”
Adding his thoughts, Player Director Andy Gaffney said: “Jarrod attracted attention from a lot of other clubs, so we are delighted to secure his signature for 2022.
“He will be a governor on the pitch and will bring a lot of experience to direct us around the park.
“He has excellent skills and has played at the very top level and we look forward to seeing him at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium in 2022.
