Huddersfield Giants opposition guide: Crusaders

Sep 10 2010 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

WHEN Super League XV got under way, the Crusaders were the rank outsiders to reach the play-offs.

Although the Welsh club had pulled off a major coup by recruiting former Great Britain boss Brian Noble as their new head coach, they were facing one massive problem – assembling a squad!

As other top-flight clubs returned with full squads for the start of pre-season training in early November, Noble was greeted by just a handful of players following the club’s relocation from Bridgend in the south to Wrexham in the north.

Yet as the season approached, the signings began to arrive and hopes rose.

That was reflected in an encouraging 34-6 defeat in their opening game at home to champions Leeds Rhinos, and just a fortnight later they broke their duck with a 36-16 victory at Salford. Crusaders were on their way!

It proved to be the first of 12 triumphs from their 27 League games, including a stunning 32-26 triumph at the Rhinos on June 20.

Such a magnificent victory proved beyond doubt the Crusaders had arrived as a Super League force, a fact which was underlined when they secured a 30-24 home win over Hull KR on Saturday to book their place in the play-offs at the first attempt.

HE’S regarded as the Super League Play-off King.