Crusaders (UK) News

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CRUSADERS SIGN GREAT BRITAIN INTERNATIONAL

CRUSADERS SIGN GREAT BRITAIN INTERNATIONALWorld of Rugby LeagueHe will be keen to make the team for Crusaders first game of the season, a home game against one of his former clubs, Leeds Rhinos at The Racecourse Ground ...and more »

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=35193&usg=AFQjCNHyRpUH1O0owepLNNyR_LEKuoieaA

CRUSADERS SIGN GREAT BRITAIN INTERNATIONAL
16 Jan 2010 22:50
Source: www.crusadersrfl.com

Crusaders Rugby League Club have signed Great Britain international Jamie Thackray from Hull FC.

He will be keen to make the team for Crusaders first game of the season, a home game against one of his former clubs, Leeds Rhinos at The Racecourse Ground in Wrexham on Friday 29 January (kick-off 8pm).

The 30-year old prop forward is an experienced Super League player having turned out 180 times in Europe's elite competition for the Rhinos, Hull FC, Castleford Tigers and Halifax.

He played three times for the Lions under Brian Noble and alongside Iestyn Harris in 2005, twice against Australia and once against New Zealand.

He has played against the Crusaders twice, once for Hull FC last season, but also in an eventful encounter in 2008 while on loan at Doncaster, where he scored a try gave his team a half-time lead at the Keepmoat Stadium before Crusaders rallied back for a 30-22 victory.

Thackray can't wait for kick-off in two weeks time.

"I'm very much looking forward to it, especially as the first game is against my old club Leeds Rhinos," Thackray said. "What better way is there to start?

"I'm delighted to have signed for the Crusaders. I've played under Brian (Noble) and Jon (Sharp) for Great Britain but I'm looking forward to working for Iestyn (Harris) for the first time. Everyone speaks highly of this new coaching team at the Crusaders and I can't wait to get started."

Tickets for Crusaders v Leeds Rhinos on Friday 29 January, priced from just £7 for juniors and £15 for adults, can be purchased through the club's ticket office on 01978 262129 or by visiting www.crusadersrfl.com

 

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BBC SportCrusaders seal signing of Italian Rocky TrimarchiBBC Sport... old Tigers team-mates Ryan O'Hara at The Racecourse and both men scored a try in Trimarchi's NRL debut in a 42-16 victory over Cronulla Sharks in 2006. ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/celtic_crusaders/8464275.stm&usg=AFQjCNEX9Upq_B-XWFFlToRMBFJaERgf4g

Crusaders seal signing of Italian Rocky Trimarchi
Page last updated at 14:14 GMT, 17 January 2010

Super League side Crusaders have completed the signing of Italian international Rocky Trimarchi.

The 24-year-old, who can play at either prop, back-row or centre, has joined from Australian club Wests Tigers.

Trimarchi is the Crusaders' seventh winter signing as the Welsh club prepare for their Super League opener with champions Leeds on 29 January.

The Crusaders new boy made his Italian international debut against Greece aged just 17 in 2003.

The Australian-born player will link up with one of his old Tigers team-mates Ryan O'Hara at The Racecourse and both men scored a try in Trimarchi's NRL debut in a 42-16 victory over Cronulla Sharks in 2006.

Tim Sheens, his old coach at West Tigers and the current Australian national coach, predicts Trimarchi will relish his Super League opportunity.

Sheens said: "Rocky has suffered a bit with Gareth Ellis coming into the club and the fact that we've got a lot of strength in the back row.

"He has been looking for a new opportunity and I think he'll do well in Super League."

Trimarchi is the latest addition to new coach Brian Noble's Crusaders squad as he joins Great Britain prop Jamie Thackray, centre Tony Martin, half-back Michael Witt and hooker Tommy Lee in Wrexham.

 

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Crusaders target former Wales rugby union captain Gareth Thomas - Daily Post

Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...50436/&usg=AFQjCNEUQ-Xv90tkh28Hc3k93XaHjQe1Lw

Crusaders target former Wales rugby union captain Gareth Thomas
Feb 17 2010
By Rob Griffiths

CRUSADERS are targeting former Wales captain Gareth Thomas, the Daily Post understands.

Head coach Brian Noble is desperate to bolster his squad and views Thomas as the ideal signing to strengthen their Super League challenge and boost the profile of the Wrexham-based club.

Noble yesterday dismissed the link as a rumour.

However the Daily Post understands preliminary talks have taken place between the club and player.

“It’s a nice rumour to be involved in, but that’s all it is at the moment,” said Noble, who watched his side claim their first win of the season on Friday night at Salford City Reds.

“We are interested in strengthening the squad, we’ve made no secret of that, and we are looking at a number of players.”

Noble also feels Thomas, who in December announced he was gay, could move seamlessly from union to league, adding: “Absolutely, I think there’s a few people that come into that category. He’s an iconic player in Wales and I’m a big fan of what he has done in the game, and I think he’s a very talented player.”

Wales’ most capped player with 100 appearances for his country, Thomas, 35, sees his contract come to an end with the Cardiff Blues in May, and his agent Emanuele Palladino claims they are looking at his options.

Palladino said: “Gareth is fully committed to the Cardiff Blues, but we are assessing his options. However at the moment we don’t want to comment on any individual case.”

An official Crusaders statement said: “As mentioned by Brian Noble, the club is pursuing a number of players with the view of strengthening the Crusaders squad. The club cannot comment on rumour and speculation but any signings will be confirmed in due course.”

Thomas, who toured New Zealand with the British Lions in 2005 and was made captain following an injury to Brian O’Driscoll in the first test, retired from international rugby in 2007 following Wales’ poor showing in the World Cup.

Wales were eliminated at the pool stages following a shock defeat in their final game to Fiji.

A former winner of the Heineken Cup with Toulouse in 2005, the 6ft 3ins back signed for Cardiff in 2007, but he is seen by the Crusaders as the perfect high profile signing.

The Crusaders return to action on Sunday when they entertain high-flying Hull FC and will be high on confidence following their first victory of the campaign over Salford at The Willows.

And full-back Nick Youngquest is relishing the challenge against a side unbeaten in their opening two games with Huddersfield Giants and St Helens.

Youngquest, 26, arrived at the Crusaders after an impressive spell with Championship club Gateshead Thunder, but has a wealth of experience, having previously played for Sydney-based sides Cronulla Sharks, St George Illawarra Dragons, Penrith Panthers and the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL.

“I’m really looking forward to the Hull game and playing in front of the home supporters again,” said Youngquest. “They really got behind us at the Leeds game and it was great to see so many people at the ground.

“Hopefully it will be a closer game this time because we fizzled out towards the end of the Leeds game.”

Youngquest added: “Hull are a really good side with great players around the park. They’ve recruited really well in the close season with the likes of Craig Fitzgibbon and Mark O’Meley from the NRL. Hopefully we can put in a good performance and get the result we need.”

Noble, too is looking forward to Sunday. “We were delighted with the win over Salford, the players have been working very hard and it paid off,” he said.

“But we are expecting another tough test.”

 

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Welsh debut for ex-Raider - The Age

Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...e.html&usg=AFQjCNH2TxcZCbhsmJ0mX16_OEm-znSMUQ

Welsh debut for ex-Raider
March 17, 2010

CLINTON Schifcofske is the latest rugby union convert set to return to league and the former Raiders skipper may make his comeback this weekend for Welsh Super League club Crusaders. If the 34-year-old former Queensland origin representative is able to gain a release from Irish rugby union club Ulster in time, Schifcofske could make his Super League debut alongside Wales great and fellow code switcher Gareth Thomas.

<EDITED>

 

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Jilted Sammut runs into Crusaders' arms - Sydney Morning Herald

Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...6.html&usg=AFQjCNGd7KHhR1dHj0qmUpFeDvDLrS4QGw

Jilted Sammut runs into Crusaders' arms
JOSH RAKIC
March 28, 2010

LIVEWIRE Panther Jarrod Sammut says he is ''gutted'' at being forced out of the only club he has ever known and having to look elsewhere for a game.

The 23-year-old former Doonside junior signed a a three-year deal with Super League club the Celtic Crusaders on Friday and will leave for Wales as soon as his visa arrives.

The Panthers told him this month he was not in their plans beyond 2010. ''I'm highly disappointed and just gutted that the club's given me the opportunity to talk overseas,'' said an emotional Sammut, who made 38 appearances for the Panthers after making his debut in 2007.

''Pretty much Penrith is all I've known,'' he said. ''I've been with them since I was 11 and my whole lifestyle, family and friends have been here in Sydney.''

Sammut was set to play for NSW Cup feeder club Windsor yesterday in his first match back since ankle surgery and was looking forward to a big season for the Panthers. He said he was shocked to learn he was welcome to depart.

''My manager actually approached the Panthers and said we'd gotten an offer from overseas and such and such - and the club's allowed us to talk elsewhere,'' Sammut revealed.

''He said they just had to free up money to re-sign Frank Pritchard and Michael Jennings. And unfortunately I was the player who had to pack his bags. I wouldn't say I have ill feelings towards the club but I'm disappointed. I'm only 23.''

Sammut will join 34-year-old former Canberra Raider and Queensland Red Clinton Schifcofske, who has chosen to resurrect his rugby league career at the Crusaders.

Schifcofske left for Wales on Friday and while Sammut is yet to be given final clearance, he aims to return to the NRL.

''I had meeting down there at Cronulla but at the moment they're not really in a situation to go out for players. They'll be right next year but I was looking for something starting this year.

''At the moment at the Panthers there's about three players in each position fighting for a spot. I'll still be cheering for them.''

 

[Murphy]

good **** off your not welcome ********** no words can explain how much i HATE this mother ****ar

 

[bort]

good **** off your not welcome ********** no words can explain how much i HATE this mother ****ar

soooo you do or dont want to sign him?

 

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Crusaders have improved remarkably says prop Adam Peek - Daily Post

Crusaders have improved remarkably says prop Adam Peek
Jun 16 2010
by Rob Griffiths

ADAM PEEK has issued a stark warning to reigning Super League champions Leeds Rhinos they will face a vastly improved Crusaders side this weekend.

The two sides met on the opening day of the season at the Racecourse back in January in front of 10,000-plus fan,s with the Yorkshire outfit eventually claiming a 34-6 win, despite being held to just 6-6 with an hour gone in the encounter.

Crusaders head to Headingley this Sunday (3pm) for the reverse fixture on the back of their first win in six matches having seen off Bradford Bulls 44-20 last Sunday to get their bid for the top eight back on track.

While Crusaders have improved from their opening day loss at home to the Rhinos, Sunday’s opponents have also found their form after a difficult start to the season. They have won their last seven games and sit in fifth place.

And Peek, 32, believes Crusaders are now better equipped to deal with the threat posed by Brian McClennan’s men.

“There are no easy games in Super League,” said Peek. “Leeds have come back and are now hitting a bit of form.

“A few of their guys played in the test against France last weekend and they will be keen to get them back. We’ve just got to make sure we show the same desire and commitment that we did against Bradford and make sure we take our opportunities. Leeds don’t give you much so when we have a chance to score we have to take it.

“Last time we played Leeds we hung with them for 65 minutes – we’ve got to make sure we match them for the whole 80 on Sunday. We are a better team than the one that played opening day of the season, we know each other better and the combinations are coming together.”

Head coach Brian Noble will be looking for more of the same from his Crusaders side following the convincing win over the Bulls.

And former Cronulla Sharks prop Peek says there is a great feeling in the camp after a morale-boosting win on Sunday.

“It has been a few weeks since our last win,” he added. “It was a big game for us on Sunday, obviously being at home there is that extra element of expectation on your shoulders. But it was a good performance and we’re delighted that we got the win over Bradford.

“It gives us a lot of confidence. Things haven’t gone our way in recent weeks so we have gone back to basics.

“Against Bradford we went through our sets, worked hard for each other and put in a big shift defensively. In recent weeks, our starts haven’t been great, but in the first 20 minutes on Sunday we were ahead and I think that proved the difference.”

Peek added: “It’s a funny game is rugby league. Last game against Harlequins we left too many gaps in defence but against Bradford we worked together and hopefully we can take that confidence into next week.

“Leeds are probably the most dangerous attacking team in the Super League.

“Players like Danny Maguire and Brent Webb can create an opportunity out of nothing so we realise we will have to be really sharp defence-wise.

“We just take it week by week. Obviously it’s becoming a bit of a cliché but if we can just get a few back-to-back wins who knows?

“It would be nice to go to Leeds and beat them on their home turf but it is going to be a challenge – they’re defending champions so we’ve got to make sure we go there and compete. Brian will be happy with that.”

And Peek was also keen to praise his fellow teammates following the victory, which put Crusaders back up to 10th.

“I thought our half-backs were magnificent,” he said. “Obviously it is a big blow when the team is missing Michael Witt and Jarrod (Sammut) but Rhys Hanbury and Peter Lupton really stepped up to the mark.

“They did a really good job and considering they haven’t played together on a regular basis, their combinations were outstanding. If Witty and Jarrod are going to be missing for a while, it is important that they play regularly and get the team going forward.

“Tony Martin is a very experienced player. He is very good in defence and he is a great organiser, he is always talking on the field.

“He is a great link between the outside backs and forwards and having him back gives the rest of the guys a huge boost. We’ve also got Lincoln Withers in the middle, he’s only a little bloke but he keeps going for 80 minutes and takes us around the park.”


Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...60353/&usg=AFQjCNHlxsjvceAIz90eEJyCoQh67Kx-aQ

 

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Rugby: Crusaders sign Reardon

Crusaders sign Reardon
10th November 2010

New Crusaders coach Iestyn Harris has made Stuart Reardon his first signing and moved to keep Vince Mellars at the club.

Reardon has signed a 12-month contract while 26-year-old Mellars, a former Junior Kiwi who enjoyed a first successful season at the Wrexham club, has signed a new three-year deal.

Mellars, who played in the NRL for New Zealand Warriors, Cronulla and Sydney Roosters and also had a spell in New Zealand rugby union with Canterbury, scored 12 tries in 24 appearances for the Welsh side and played an integral part in the team's run to the Engage Super League play-offs.

"Vince has been excellent for us," said Harris, who was confirmed on Monday as the successor to Brian Noble.

"He is a big, strong, athletic centre who knows his way to the tryline and is willing to knuckle down and learn.

"He was a key part of our success last year and he's going to be integral to our plans over the next few years."

Mellars said: "I have really enjoyed my time here in Wrexham and I am delighted to be staying here until at least 2013.

"The club gave me an opportunity to come to Super League and I feel I'm playing some of the best rugby of my career here."

The 29-year-old Reardon, who returned to Bradford for a second spell a year ago, will help fill the void created by the departures of Nick Youngquest and Gareth Raynor.

"Stuart is a great professional and brings real quality to the Crusaders squad," said Harris.

"He's one of the best kick returners in Super League and his versatility means he can play in a number of positions for us.

"Stuart has played at the highest level for many years, he has won every major honour in Super League and represented Great Britain which shows the kind of quality player he is.

"I've played alongside Stuart and I know what a committed and talented player he can be. He is just the type of player you want playing alongside you."

Reardon scored 51 tries in 144 appearances in Super League for Bradford and Warrington and won two Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup final with the Bulls.

He won the Harry Sutherland Trophy as man of the match in Bradford's 2003 Grand Final success over Wigan and scored four tries for Great Britain in the 2004 Tri-Nations Series.

He said: "The opportunity to link up with Iestyn was too good to turn down.

"The Crusaders did brilliantly last season and I believe the club can do even better next year. This is a club that is going places and I can't wait to start pre-season training."

Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=...tail/item529328/Rugby:-Crusaders-sign-Reardon

 

[snowman]

hahahaha thats so funny, bradford fans laughed at the cowboys when they tried to sign him saying he was "a bull for life" now he has gone to the crusaders, man thats gold

 

[Nash the Shark]

Yeah but now the Crusaders have gone into Administration and May start the season with a 6 point penalty .....thats if they start season