R League: Harlequins friendly for Crusaders

Jan 26 2008 Western Mail

CELTIC CRUSADERS get their 2008 season under way with a glamorous pre-season friendly against Super League outfit Harlequins, at Bridgend’s Brewery Field.

Crusaders head coach Terry Dixon is excited by the prospect of seeing his squad in action.

“As a coach I’m pleased with the squad we have assembled to represent the Crusaders,” he said. “The attitude and application of the players leading into this first game has been first class. This reflects the approach needed to meet the extra demands that we will face this season.”

Dixon sees his side compete in National League One for the first time ever, after edging out Featherstone Rovers to the title and automatic promotion last season.

“Saturday’s match promises to be a quality contest against quality opposition and an excellent lead into our Northern Rail Cup and National League One campaigns,” he said.

The Crusaders will be hoping they carry their excellent form from the end of last season into this campaign, which saw them winning their final 13 fixtures. With the majority of last season’s squad continuing to ply their trade in Bridgend, there are also plenty of new recruits to excite the fans.

The Crusaders have not only strengthened on the field but off it as well, with former player Anthony Seibold, who represented the Crusaders in their inaugural season back in 2006, taking up the assistant coach role as well as footballing manager.

. The former Brisbane Bronco’s star is joined by eight new playing recruits. Five of the new players are Welsh internationals: Luke Dyer, Jordan James, Mark Lennon, Aaron Summers and Ian Webster. Other new players include union convert Ben Flowers, former Hull Kingston Rovers player David Tangata-Toa, while Philippe Gardent has signed from American football team Carolina Panthers.