I think that's a tad harsh. Lets see how Wrexham works out before we start criticising.

I too was somewhat irked by the collapse of the franchise in South Wales, it looked like an opportunity wasted at the expense of Championship clubs and the reputation of RL. But, I have to say I've been swayed in recent weeks. Yes, rules were broken and, yes, difficult decisions had to be made. I disagree with a lot of the decisions of Red Hall, but I understand their rationale for expansion and agree that, for the stability of the game, expansion is one of the correct avenues it needs to follow.

I noticed much talk from fans prior to Celtic's inclusion into SL that South Wales might not be the place to set up a club due to its distance from the heartlands, it is within RU territory and that North Wales would be a better, untapped rugby area. I was always doubtful that Celtic would be able to survive due to its location. But, Wrexham does seem to be a better location. It may be 30 miles away from Widnes, but it is out of the heartlands, it is in Wales and there is a demand, as proved by the ticket sales for tonight's game.

Crusaders have a better location (in my opinion), a better coach and a better squad than last year. The website also suggests (to me) that their community initiatives are not only better than Celtic's, but rival other SL clubs. I can see Crusaders surprising a few people on the pitch and easily build a respectable support base.

Expansion is a tricky and difficult concept to roll out. I think the RFL would do better to provide fans with a clear and transparent outline of how RL will expand, for example in five years will Les Catalans leave SL to join the French elite league, how many teams will be in the league in the years to come etc. Personally, I would like to see two 'regional' Super Leagues that come together for the CC and play offs as it would emcompass more heartland and expansion clubs, but that's a different subject altogether.

Before you start bad mouthing the club let's not forget that their license is not over yet. Crusaders aren't going to pack up and go away because a few flat cappers don't like venturing too far away from the M62. The RFL will decide whether they can remain in SL when the license applications are submitted and that is a long time off yet. Let's wait to see how this season and their next pre-season pans out before we start speculating, and in the meantime lets shoow the welsh supporters and club members some respect and support the game we love.

Correction Macbroon, the Wrexham Crusaders' FIRST season.

The Celtic Crusaders stopped trading and were wound up. This is a new company called Wrexham Crusaders Limited (ergo a new club) playing in Superleague on the franchise place awarded to the CELTIC Crusaders.

The only thing that's the same is 10 players (out of 2icon_cool.gif, one word in the name and Mike Fakking Turner.

I think you'll find you're wrong there. I'm a SL fan and I welcome Crusaders inclusion. Yes, their birth into the top flight has been difficult and painful. Mainly down to behind the scenes problems with certain high ups in the club overselling their club to the RFL and promising more than they could offer.

Perhaps the jump up was a bit too quick and the team should have been given 3 years in the championship to establish themselves and possibly build a better side, but if my aunt had a cock she'd be my uncle.

Best of luck to you welsh lads.

At least someone has done their homework before speculating, good luck for this season btw.

Good post.

Thought they did well last night. They hav'nt had a match or been together as a squad long. Time will tell. I'd like them to do well and think they will. When injuries hit will be the bubble burster.

soft lad, are you Keith Senior in disguise

I agree with this statement and sport should be done fairly.They should have worked the way up with promotion and relegation.It ok for teams already in superleague to say it a troll.Bet if they dropped your club out of superleague you be ed off.Promotion and relegation should happen every year as clubs got nothing to go for to be honest.If clubs like widnes,fax,barrow,leigh go under i would not support saints or wigan etc.I would go to football matches.The rfl are killing heartland clubs.We all have opinions and good on keith senior for mentioning widnes.What es me off their is no aim for championship clubs.As the game is fixed.

You forgot to mention whippets and clog dancing.

Oh dear, the bitterness just ekes out of your whinge. Pedanticism is not one of my attributes, so to everyone but you, [sizeCrusaders are playing their seond season in SL[/size

macbroon

Aren't all but one of them either English or Australian?

I'm sure Lloyd White (of Newport), Elliot Kear and Lewis Mills (of Cardiff) and Gil Dudson (of Swansea) would have something to say about that.

Do your research, clown.

just out of interest mate at the moment how many in your squad are british?

so thats 4

out of a squad of how many???


And how many played the other night??

1???