The club can announce that Jarred Bassett has signed a 1 year deal with our Capital neighbours London Broncos for 2023.
Bassett, who signed for Skolars last year from SCL side Wests Warriors, was outstanding in his maiden League One season, scoring 19 tries from fullback and winning several Man of the Match awards. He also was named in the Rugby League World team of the month on two occasions and went on to win the Skolars Players Player of the Season Award, all of which caught the eye of several clubs including Championship side Broncos.
Bassett said “I am excited for the opportunity at Broncos but also really thankful to Skolars for taking a gamble on some Aussie fullback from the amateur game and giving me the opportunities I have had this season. It’s a great bunch of blokes at Skolars & I have really enjoyed this year. I am looking forward to getting stuck in at pre-season now at Broncos and will see what happens!”
Head Coach Joe Mbu had high praise for Bassett; “Jarred has been outstanding this year, I am not surprised at all that he has been signed by Broncos, he has the quality and attitude to play at Championship level. I didn’t know too much about him initially, Phil & Ollie (Skolars player/assistant coaches) told me about Jarred and said he was very good & they were right. Immediately in training, you could see it. I’d argue he’s been one of the top 2-3 fullbacks in the league this year. To go from Wests to Skolars to Broncos in twelve months is fantastic, kudos to Wests Warriors for that as well. We wish Jarred all the best for next season in the Championship and we will watch his progress with interest.”
Club Chairman Adrian Fraine echoed Mbu’s words and added “It’s a bittersweet moment, Jarred has been a stand-out player not only for us but in the whole league this year, in some games he was untouchable. It’s great to see a player genuinely earn a shot at the league above through outstanding form for us & the whole club wishes him well for 2023!”
Assistant Coach Ollie Bloom added “London has a solid pathway and this is an example of it, there are some pro-level players being developed, particularly at Wests, London Chargers & others, we keep a keen eye on who could make the step up. Jarred we knew about for a while and we were delighted to get him for this season, he has been a pleasure to be around and to coach, a genuinely top attitude & I am sure he will transition nicely into the Championship. Whoever takes the number 1 shirt at Skolars next year has big shoes to fill!”
