League13

Bradford survived a late-late-rally from the Crusaders to claim the win.

For all the relative success of their second season in Super League, the move to Wrexham was always fraught with danger, with the Wrexham AFC soccer club itself in a parlous financial state and both outfits owned by the Wrexham Village Ltd.

I’d put this signing somewhere on a par with Andy Farrell’s departure to Saracens at the fag-end of an epic league career; let’s hope for the Crusaders sake that Thomas can make more of a impact in Wrexham than Farrell managed in an injury bedevilled spell at Watford though.

Jon Sharp has been around the rugby league scene a long time now, but this role as coach of the Crusaders will test his coaching, man-management and diplomacy skills to the utmost.

The hills may be alive with the sound of music, but the valleys are longing for rugby league and the future has never been brighter for the sport in Wales.

After years of struggle and uncertainty the town of Wrexham has a bright sporting future. Erstwhile FA Cup giant-killing heroes, [...]