Jarrod Sammut last night made a shock switch from Bradford to Wakefield – then insisted neither side would be fighting relegation this season.

The Aussie stand-off, who turned 27 today, had one year remaining on his contract with the Bulls but made clear his desire to leave the club.

Bradford agreed to release him from his contract and it is understood that Wakefield have paid a fee for Sammut, who has signed a two-year deal at Belle Vue.

It remains to be seen whether he will face his former team-mates when Francis Cummins’ side travel to Wakefield in next Thursday’s televised Super League clash.

Sammut, who joined the Bulls from Crusaders two years ago, becomes the second player to quit Odsal following the club’s recent move into administration after Garreth Carvell’s switch to Hull FC.

The former Penrith star said: “It’s a new challenge for me now.

“I was comfortable at the Bulls but now I’m coming into a new environment with new plays and new calls to learn.

“I’m going to need to pick things up very quickly but I’m excited for the challenge.

“I’m a person that loves a challenge. I’ve always had people writing me off or saying things like I wouldn’t make it because I’m too small and stuff like that.

“I like to go out there and prove people wrong and I suppose that gives me the drive to succeed.”

Wakefield and Bradford are tipped to be among the sides battling to stay in Super League this term.

But the Malta international said: “It’s going to be a tough season, there’s no doubt about that.

“But I certainly don’t think we’re going to be too close to the relegation places and I think there’s enough quality at Bradford too that they won’t be.

“I’m not the sort of person to sit back and watch things unfold, I want to go out and make things happen and that’s what’s I intend to do.

“I think tough times bring the best out of players and makes people step up.”

Sammut said he is fit to face the Bulls on Thursday, and added: “It will be a bit strange to be on the other side to Bradford and people I’ve been good mates with for the last three years but that’s just the way it’s happened.”

Bulls chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul paid tribute to Wakefield chairman Michael Carter for his handling of the transfer.

Hunter-Paul said: “For the internal culture of the squad, every player needs to have complete and utter loyalty to the club.

“If a player doesn’t want to play alongside their team-mates at Bradford Bulls, then they don’t deserve to be here.”

Carter said: “We recently got into dialogue with the Bulls regarding Jarrod, and we’re pleased to have reached a conclusion that is mutually beneficial for all parties.

“We look forward to welcoming Jarrod to the club and all associated with the Bulls to the Rapid Solicitors Stadium next week for our home opener.”