New deals for Crusaders trio
Crusaders have agreed new deals with trio Peter Lupton, Frank Winterstein and Vince Mellars for 2011 and beyond.
Mellars, 26, scored 12 tries in 24 appearances in his debut season in Super League, after previously starring for New Zealand Warriors, Cronulla and Sydney in the NRL.
The former Junior Kiwi said: “I am really enjoying my time here in Wrexham and I am delighted to be staying here until at least 2013. The club gave me an opprunity to come to Super League and I feel I’m playing some of the best rugby of my career heere at the Crusaders
“My family are really settled here and once Crusaders offered me a new deal it was a very easy decision for me to make.”
Meanwhile, Lupton, 28, and Winterstein, 23, have signed two year deals.
Utility man Lupton joined from Castleford in 2009, and was an ever present in 2010, scoring six tries in 30 appearances.
Lupton said: “I’m enjoying my time here in Wrexham and I’m glad that my future has been sorted. Last season was a great one for this club and I believe we can do even better next year. We’ve got a great team spirit here in Wrexham and I know there will be extra competition for places next year. I want to be part of the match-day squad every week so I’m just going to keep working hard.”
Samoan international Winterstein moved from Wakefield, and scored three tries in 29 appearances last term.
New Crusaders coach Iestyn Harris said: “I’m delighted that both Peter and Frank are going to be with us for the next two season.
“Peter was one of our unsung heroes last season. He had to play in a few positions for us because of injuries and he did really well for us. Peter is a very intelligent player, he reads the game well and isn’t afraid to pull his sleeves up and do the hard work as well.
“His versatility means he can play in a number of positions and every squad in Super League needs someone like Peter.”Frank showed a lot of promise last season. He’s only 23 and he’s going to get better and better. He’s a strong player who runs hard, but also has good footwork and good speed for a big man. Frank is an important part of the Crusaders squad and we have high hopes for him next season.”