Crusaders prepare for first game

North Wales Crusaders will play five pre-season friendlies as they prepare for life back in the Championships, starting this Friday against Leigh East.

The newly-formed club, born from the ashes of the failed Super League franchise, have built a new squad from scratch under the tutelage of new coach Clive Griffiths.

Their first game will be played at Leigh Sports Village against National Conference Premier side Leigh East (January 20, 7.30pm kick-off).

They will also take on Conference Three side Warrington Wizards on Sunday January 29th at Queensway Stadium, in a game that will be exclusive to season ticket holders.

Their first Championship 1 match is against Barrow on Sunday March 11th – Crusaders won’t be competing in this season’s Northern Rail Cup.