WORKINGTON Town's Ryan Verlinden is relishing the prospect of stepping out onto the field with childhood friends Jarrod Sammut and Latu Fifita when the 2016 Championship season starts.

The Aussie, who landed in Workington this week, grew up with Sammut and Fifita and played junior rugby league with the pair of them in Sydney.

With the three of them reunited at Town for 2016, Verlinden can't believe they are back together.

"Latu, Jarrod and I are from the same area in Sydney, out west, and now we're all playing out here together for Workington," Verlinden said.

"It's crazy coming from that small part of Sydney to being here in England. The gang's back together again."

And he says they were influential in him joining Workington Town this season.

"Jarrod had always been a good player," he said. "We went to school together and played on the same team from about eight-years-old, so it'll be really fun to get back out there.

"At the end of last season Phil [Veivers] asked me what my plans were for 2016.

"Both Jarrod and Latu wanted me to come along and Jarrod was giving the place really good raps.

"It's a big bonus coming here already knowing some Australians - not that I don't like poms!

"It's made things really easy and a lot more comfortable and it'll be an experience when I play my first game for Town."

Verlinden played in the Championship last season, first for Featherstone before then moving on loan to Doncaster.

Passport issues meant that the 28-year-old was unable to play for Featherstone until May and he made seven appearances before his loan move.

In all, Verlinden made 14 appearances and scored two tries in 2015.

"Doncaster were happy with what I did there and I was happy with how I was playing," he added.

"It was a disappointment because my passport was late, but I learned a lot from last year and want to continue improving here at Workington.

"I don't see last year as a total disappointment and I'm looking to put my best foot forward."