North Wales out to surprise teams this year, says Brad Billsborough
Photo courtesy of Richard Long
North Wales half-back Brad Billsborough believes his side can be dark horses in League 1 this season.
The Germany captain has linked up with the Crusaders for 2020 after spending last year in Australia with Gold Coast Titans’ feeder club Grafton Ghosts.
Billsborough has scored one try in four games for the Welsh outfit so far – and believes they can cause a number of upsets this year.
He said: “We’ve got a young team but we are looking good as a squad.
“If we can gel and bind together then I reckon we can do well this year. We will be the underdogs in a lot of games.
“I definitely think we will surprise a few teams this year. We might be a young team but we are full of energy and we’re willing to work for each other so I do think we’ll surprise people.
“I’ve played in League 1 before for Whitehaven – but I left the club early because the travelling wasn’t for me. It’s a tough league and I’ve played in the Championship with Swinton as well, so I’m looking forward to the challenge with Crusaders.”
Billsborough, who was part of St Helens’ academy side that went the season unbeaten in 2016, reflects on his time Down Under with fond memories.
He continued: “It was unreal. The experience and the lifestyle over there is just a different thing altogether.
“I worked over there as a plumber and I got paid for playing as well. I went over there expecting to get into the coaching side of things because that’s what I’m qualified to do – I work in Saints’ Community Foundation over here – but I got over there and there wasn’t any coaching jobs in the area.
“I worked with Gary Gillespie (Ghosts president) doing plumbing so it was good. I enjoyed it the whole experience.”
Watch our Last Tackle podcast, featuring a guest, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on YouTube.
Listen to The Final Hooter podcast, featuring exclusive interviews, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on Apple Podcasts.
More on site
Coronavirus could cost rugby league £20m, says Wakefield boss Michael Carter
All Onside with Micky Higham and Paul Wood: Chest and triceps
Sox of the best back-rowers in the NRL at present
My Set of Six: with Leeds fan Rob Conlon featuring Danny McGuire & that Ryan Hall try
Brisbane forward David Fifita sidelined indefinitely with knee injury