Fun times return for Sammut at Bradford

The Australian half-back was at the heart of most of their best work on Thursday when Bradford clinched an 18-18 draw courtesy of Adam Sidlow’s dramatic 78th-minute converted try.

Leeds questioned some of the penalties that led to the visitors earning that position but Sammut said: “The boys really dug deep in the last 15 minutes and Ziggy (Sidlow) found himself in the right place at the right time.

“I thought we deserved it. We worked really hard and to come away with a loss would have been tough. We’ll settle for one point.”

The result is further evidence of Bradford’s progress under head coach Francis Cummins.

They have lost only three of nine games and, with an indefatigable spirit and no little class, are looking capable of reaching the play-offs for the first time in five years.

Bradford, who will seek more rewards when entertaining strugglers Salford City Reds on Easter Monday, did get off to a shocking start by conceding a Kallum Watkins try after just 24 seconds.

“For the last couple of weeks we haven’t been starting either half well and it’s something we really need to look at and work on,” continued scrum-half Sammut.

“There was parts there where we were on top of Leeds but for a split second, whether losing discippline or just switching off, you know they can be down the other end of the field.

“They are the type of team that do take their chances.”

Sammut, 26, believes the club’s current turnaround started 12 months ago when their financial plight was first revealed and they defeated Leeds at Odsal.

“No doubt they were difficult times but that started bringing us all together and this year we’ve got a fresh start,” he said.

“We’ve got everything to prove but we know what we’re capable of and it’s up to us to do it week in week out now.”

Seven-try Sammut is certainly delivering, producing his most consistent football since arriving in Britain with Crusaders from Penrith Panthers three years ago.

“It’s definitely back up there,” he said, his attacking raids and kicks causing Leeds chaos.

“I’m starting to enjoy my footie again. Franny’s put a lot of confidence in me,

“I’ve backed my ability and when you’ve got people in the inside like Brett Kearney and Heath L’Estrange and big forwards like Nick Scruton and Manese Manuokafoa going forward and getting their arms free, the second phase play is something I love.

“But we all have to keep it going ahgainst Salford on Monday.”