North Wales Crusaders are delighted to announce the signing of Kian Fishwick for the 2026 season, becoming the first player to sign a first-team contract having come through our newly formed development pathway.
Fishwick’s playing career began at Wigan St’ Pats before he joined Super League outfit Wigan Warrior’s scholarship programme, earning an England Lions under 17’s call up in the process.
Continuing playing at Orrell St James and Wigan Springview, he was selected for the North Wales Crusaders reserves in 2025 and made an impression on coaching staff to earn a senior contract with the Betfred League One champions for the 2026 season.
Speaking about Fishwick’s addition to the squad for next season, Crusaders head coach Carl Forster said: “It’s great to bring Kian into the first-team through the reserves system.
“He was quickly appointed reserves captain and has shown why in their games this season.
“He’s been training with us now for a few weeks and you can see the improvement already.
“He’s a big lad who is very skillful with the ball in hand.
“With a full pre season with the first team I’m excited to see his development.”
On signing a deal for the 2026 season, Fishwick added: “I’m delighted to be stepping up to join the first-team for 2026, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to further develop playing under Foz [Carl Forster] and the rest of the coaching team here.
“I think it’s also a great statement for the rest of the players in the reserves and those looking to join them next year that they can see the pathway is there.”