North Wales Crusaders will have the opportunity to bounce back from defeat against Goole this weekend as they open their 2025 Betfred League One campaign away at Dewsbury Rams.
Carl Forster’s North Wales side will travel across the border looking to right wrongs from last week’s defeat in the 1895 Cup, and in turn post an early two points on the board to kick-off their new league season.
🗒️ Formbook:
Sunday sees both sides kick-off their respective league campaigns looking to make statements on the back of disappointing 2024 seasons.
Having remained unbeaten in 2023 which saw them gain promotion, Dewsbury experienced a tough run in the second tier last year which resulted in relegation back to League One.
Meanwhile, Crusaders narrowly missed out on a play-off finish in 2024, leaving both sides with ambitions of a top four finish this year.
Early season form has seen Forster’s North Wales side score heavy victories over Cornwall and Newcastle before suffering defeats at the hands of Widnes and Goole.
Sunday’s hosts opened their 2025 season with a Challenge Cup victory over local rivals Dewsbury Moor before exiting the competition in the next round at the hands of Championship side Batley Bulldogs.
The Rams’ latest run out saw them progress in the 1895 Cup with an impressive 18-10 away to fellow League One outfit Workington Town.
đź‘Ą One To Watch:
Jacob Hookem; In spite of being just 22, Hookem brings experience from playing across all divisions of the game.
A product of the Hull FC academy system, Hookem made a total of five Super League appearances in two spells accompanied by time at Whitehaven, Bradford, Midlands before signing for Dewsbury in 2024.
A regular feature in the Rams’ Championship campaign last year, Hookem will be looking to play a pivotal role in returning Dewsbury to the second tier in 2025.
🗣️ Foz’s Thoughts:
Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s trip to Dewsbury, North Wales Crusaders head coach Carl Forster said: “Whilst we’re disappointed [in last week’s result], we need to shake that off now and come into Sunday’s game with optimism and our heads up – it’s the start of a new league season, and there’s no room to feel sorry for ourselves.
“I think Dewsbury are going to take everyone by surprise this season, in that they’ve come down from the Championship, retained some key players and added some quality additions too.
“All the talk is around Keighley, then probably other teams getting some attention in the likes of Goole or Workington, but Dewsbury will be happy to be going about their business quietly.”
Read Carl’s full thoughts HERE.
🏟️ Supporter Information:
Dewsbury play their homes games at the FLAIR Stadium, Owl Lane, Dewsbury, WF12 7RH, with the game set to kick-off at 3pm.
Tickets for the fixture are priced at ÂŁ20 adults or ÂŁ2 under 18’s, and are available to pre-purchase online with a cash only turnstile operating on the day.
Both home and away supporters are welcomed in the Bailey Bar from 1:30pm onwards with gates open from 2pm.
Tickets can be purchased direct from the Rams by clicking HERE.
