Conrad Anderson, sit’s down with both sets of coaches as he previews our Championship opener.
North Wales Crusaders will kick of their Championship campaign on Sunday with a short journey to old foes Widnes Vikings
Last time out the welsh outfit achieved a record 110-0 over Bedford Tigers while Widnes beat Thatto Heath Crusaders with a 76-0 victory in the Challenge Cup.
Sunday is back to business for the home side as they will be hungry to claim their first points of the Championship after they endure an opening day away defeat to London Broncos 44-12.
North Wales Crusaders coach Dean Muir said
“Widnes are a strong team. Predicted to be in the top 4. They have recruited well and have a good coach, Alan Colemans teams are always resilient and will fight for each other. We will need to be ready to go the full 80 and match that resilience. It’s a good test to start the year.”
Widnes coach Alan Coleman commented
“They are a tough team, i went to watch them in the pre-season game against Swinton, they were really good, they play some nice rugby, i know a lot of their players, they know a lot about ours, so it be like a local derby but with a bit of spice added to it, that’s something everyone will look forward too. I think they will do really well in the championship, i tipped them last year to win League One after we played them in a cup game. We know what North Wales are about and they have improved and strengthened really well”
PLAYER TO WATCH
MATTY FOZARD (Hooker)
A Welsh international coming through the Saints academy programne, he has made appearances for Rochdale, Batley and Sheffield.
Played for Wales in the World Cup and made his 250th career appearance in 2024.
An outstanding 9. He’s a huge threat and a good leader.
Fozard has got a good kicking game and we will need to watch him closely.
CHRIS BARRATT (Forward)
Formally of the Coventry Bears, made his North Wales Crusaders debut on 23rd Feb 2020 against Hunslet and has made 108 appearances and scored 30 tries for the club.
A player who only goes forward. A leader through action.
A quiet man who knows his job inside and out.
Last time we met Widnes Vikings was last season in the Challenge Cup where our opposition just pipped us 20-26.
Travelling from Wrexham?
A coach has been arranged by the Supportes Club and will depart The Turf at 12:30pm
Email: crufansbus@gmail.com