Crusaders sign Malta scrum-half Jarrod Sammut

Sammut has represented Malta at rugby league and rugby union

Crusaders have recruited Australian-born, dual-code Maltese international scrum-half Jarrod Sammut from Penrith Panthers on a two-and-a-half year deal.

The 23-year-old has been playing for the NRL outfit since 2007, scoring 18 points in 38 appearances, with seven tries and 44 goals.

Sammut, who can also play wing, is in contention to face Bradford Bulls in Edinburgh on Saturday.

"It's a major coup to have Jarrod," said Crusaders coach Brian Noble.

"I think he is a class player with great skill and foot-work. He was very highly thought of in the NRL.

606: DEBATE

Is this a good signing?

"He's the kind of player who can change the outcome of a game and he is also a superb goal-kicker.

"I think him and Michael Witt have the potential to form a very exciting half-back partnership for us here in Wrexham."

The Panthers released Sammut from the final year of his contract.

Sammut, who missed the early part of the season with an ankle injury, made headlines in Sydney earlier this year after putting on 22lbs of muscle to his previously diminutive 11st 4lb frame.

His signing takes the Crusaders' overseas contingent in their 28-man squad to 16, although Sammut is one of four players with EU passports courtesy of his Maltese heritage and therefore does not count on the quota.

The club were granted special dispensation to have up to 14 overseas players this year.