North Wales Crusaders’ on-loan star Olly Davies says he’s ‘loving life’ at North Wales Crusaders ahead of a crucial Betfred League One clash against Midlands Hurricanes at Stadiwm CSM this Sunday.
Since arriving on loan from Betfred Championship outfit Halifax Panthers four weeks ago, 28-year-old Olly Davies has quickly established himself as Car Forster’s secret weapon.
Thrown into the deep end against Oldham, in game which North Wales Crusaders agonisingly lost that game 27-26 on June 1st, it’s fair to say the former St Helens product has not looked back since.
Initially signed on a four-week-loan, the 28-year-old said: “Yeah, I’ve only had three games within the initial four week loan period as we had a week off, but it went so well and I enjoyed it so much.
“North Wales Crusaders are keen to keep hold of me for the rest of the season which I’m pleased has happened, but Halifax still have the option to call me back if needs be.”
Reflecting on his time at his short time at the club, Davies said: “I enjoy being here, the last few years has been a bit tough in regards to the fact that I’ve been playing at different clubs, but if you get someone behind you, like Foz [Carl Forster] I can’t explain how the lads respond to the way he talks, and as soon as he starts talking, everyone stops and listens.
“He also gets in with the lads and has a chat with them, and it’s remarkable really how he does it and how he balances being a coach and player.
“I enjoy playing alongside him, we’ve had lots of chats as coach and player, and to muck into the tackles together, it’s been enjoyable and that’s what North Wales Crusaders has done for me personally.
“I’ve got back to loving rugby league and I can’t thank him enough for bringing me down.”
Davies tasted his first victory with North Wales Crusaders during the 34-32 against Workington three weeks ago, reflecting on that game he said: “I think it was a sense of relief for a lot of the lads after the Workington victory.
“I remember saying to Carl after the Oldham game ‘I can’t believe you’ve lost five in a row’, but sometimes when you hit rock bottom, and you do some of the interviews and chats with the lads, the only way is up, and that what has happened as of late.”
Since Davies has been with the club, Crusaders have won the last three league games, expanding on recent form, he said: “The lads have had a bit of a reset, we got some back from injury and we’ve bought some new additions and we’ve just attacked this last month.
“We’ve had some of the hardest journeys in this league, it’s a tough league, but the lads are just brilliant to be around.”
Davies, who has made over 150 career appearances, has been impressed by how everyone has been working for one another over the last couple of weeks, saying: “Especially in defence, that’s what wins games, rugby is all about mental toughness, and the past month we’ve had a bit of everything, but eventually by trusting each other and trusting the process we will get over the line.”
All eyes are now on Sunday when Crusaders host Midlands Hurricanes in what will be the third meeting of the two sides this season, with both teams sharing the spoils thus far.
Looking ahead to the game, Davies said: “I know a few players in that side, they are tough team, sprinkled with some Championship standard players, it’s going to be a tough game, but I’m looking forward to it because it’s a breath of fresh air to play with these lads, I love the environment, they just want to play for one another and win for each other, take a carry and tackle for one another which is just great to see, and I’m delighted that I’m getting to be part of it.”
The next few fixtures for North Wales Crusaders are set to be defining for the race to the play-offs, and Davies believes that the squad are in good place to earn a play-off berth.
“It’s something which Foz has spoken about, we’ve just got to make sure that we can be in the six, once in the mix, it’s anyone’s game.
“I’m really encouraged and excited of what the next few weeks will bring.”
Davies also praised the Crusaders support: “I’ve been at a few clubs where the supporters haven’t been that vocal, but the North Wales Crusaders supporters are a loud and a loyal bunch, there may not be a vast amount, but you know that they are there, which we really appreciate and it just reminds you that we are here to do a job because they’ve all put hands in their pockets, they are all a credit to the club, and I’m looking forward to meet them as the year goes on.”
By Conrad Anderson
