Jonathan Davies Tips Crusaders In The Cup
By admin
Issued on behalf of Celtic Crusaders Rugby League Club
RUGBY legend Jonathan Davies is backing the Celtic Crusaders in their quest for Cup glory this weekend – but says patience will be their key to a successful season.
Recently appointed as president of the Celtic Crusaders, the former Welsh rugby union and league international warns that Sunday’s Northern Rail Cup clash against the holders Leigh Centurions will be a tough tie.
“Leigh will be smarting from their 22-26 defeat at the hands of the Crusaders in the first game and make no mistake they will make the return on Sunday a very difficult contest,” said Jonathan.
“But the Crusaders will have gained a lot of confidence from their performance and result up north and back at the Brewery Field they will certainly fancy their chances.
“It’s going to be tough, but as long as they stay focussed then they can cause another upset. It will certainly be a very good game to watch and be a strong indicator of where the Crusaders are and just how far they could go.”
While Jonathan says it’s still too early to predict how the Crusaders will ultimately fare this season, he is certain of one thing – they have to build patiently and steadily.
“Some excellent building blocks are being put in place at the Brewery Field and with people like coach John Dixon the club is certainly going in the right direction,” he said.
“It’s very exciting times, not just for the Celtic Crusaders but for rugby league in Wales. John Dixon is a very experienced coach who has done it all in the hotbed of the sport in Australia. One of his strongest points is his ability to spot young talent and know how to develop those youngsters into first class players.
“John can bring the Crusaders success, but it may take some time and the club and its supporters must realise that and be patient. Patience is the name of the game for the Crusaders.
“It has certainly been an interesting start to the season with a contrasting quality of opposition. The results are already coming on a regular basis and the team has proved it can compete well against opposition that plays at a higher level.
“They did well against the Brisbane Broncos, had a good result against Leigh but then suffered a bit of a shock with a tonking from Widnes. But the signs are promising that they can compete against the stronger sides.”
Jonathan also believes patience is the key to the Crusaders attracting new support to follow them week in and week out.
“We have to understand that the Celtic Crusaders is still a very new club and rugby league is a relatively new sport in South Wales and it is always going to be tough to attract support – especially when you’re in the middle of a rugby union season and a Six Nations tournament,” he said.
“But as long as the good results continue and, hopefully, with promotion this season bringing more recognisable teams to the Brewery Field then the support will build and the crowds will improve.
“Let’s face it, there’s not great support for club rugby union in Wales so we shouldn’t expect too much too soon at the Crusaders. It will take time and, again, patience is needed. But I am confident it will happen and I’m looking forward to getting down to the Brewery Field this summer to see what I’d like to think is the start of an era of first class rugby league in Wales.”
