Bradford-bound Jarrod Sammut can’t wait to join the Bulls but won’t mind if their losing streak goes on for just one more match.

The unpredictable Aussie half-back hopes to be in the Crusaders side who play their penultimate Super League game at Odsal on Sunday, after spending a month on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

The innovative playmaker signed for the Bulls just hours after the Wrexham-based club announced that they had withdrawn their application for a top-flight licence on July 26. But whether playing or spectating, this weekend’s visit will be Sammut’s first to the city.

“It’ll be my first time in Bradford as, when I arrived in the UK last year, Crusaders had already played there,” he said.

“I have heard that Odsal is not your every-day rugby league stadium and I’ll be looking forward to experiencing it with interest.

“Obviously I’ll be looking at things in a slightly different way if I’m not playing than if I am.

“While I’m very keen to be in the side, if I wasn’t it would give me a better chance to look around at everything – at the facilities, the fans – and take it all in.

“If I’m playing I’ll definitely take a bit more notice of a few of the players I’ll be playing with next year too.

“I’ve had an ankle injury which I picked up about a month ago and have been through rehab’ and was about ready to play in our last game but wasn’t included in the 18-man squad.

“I certainly hope I’ll be okay to face Bradford but if I’m not in the team, I’ll definitely be on the bus with the boys and it will give me a chance to look around the place.

“I don’t really know anyone there too well. The only exception is Heath L’Estrange, as we went to the same school – Patrician Brother College in Blacktown, Sydney – although he was a couple of years above me.”

Whether suited or booted when he emerges from the changing rooms, fans can be excused for not recognising the new-look Sammut.

The former Penrith Panther is renowned for his moustache and flowing locks but said: “Last Saturday I took part in a shave-off for charity in recognition of one of the boys in our team (former Bulls prop) Richard Moore, whose son was diagnosed with leukaemia.

“It was a good opportunity, firstly because I needed a haircut and secondly it offered some support and the chance to raise some funds and awareness for the Candlelighter’s Foundation, which supports children with leukaemia.

“The moustache and hair have both gone – and quite a few people haven’t recognised me this last week!”

Sammut is best known to Bulls fans as the player who broke their hearts with a debut wonder try at Murrayfield Magic last year, juggling his way across the whitewash during Crusaders’ 19-0 win.

He said: “When I finish the season with Crusaders I’m thinking of going home to Oz to visit family in Brisbane and Sydney before coming back and starting with the Bulls in mid-November.

“I’m living in a small town just outside Wrexham and it would have been nice to stay as I’ve settled down here. But the travelling to training every day will be too much, so I’ve obviously got to move nearer to Bradford.

“I’ve spoken to some of the guys at Crusaders – Richie (Moore), Paul Johnson, Stuart Reardon and a couple of the coaching staff who were at Bradford – and they all can’t speak highly enough about the club, so I’m really looking forward to my opportunity to play with the Bulls.

“I’m told they have a great set of fans who’ve had a tough season and it would be nice to score a few tries for them like the one at Murrayfield.”