Things continue to look positive for North Wales Crusaders

Leader Live

11-07-2025

Carl Forster's charges are favourites for the League One title this season and ahead of Sunday's home clash with Dewsbury Rams, Crusaders find themselves three points clear of the chasing pack.
A run of just one defeat in 11 matches so far this season has been achieved without an experienced pair of players - but they are soon expected to be back in the ranks.
Head coach Forster told CruCast: 'Jake Spedding has joined back in training. I think we're hoping to see Jake in, probably, the next three of four weeks. So, we're slowly getting back up there.'
Another player back out on the training pitch is Welsh international Ben Evans and Forster is delighted to see the pair returning to fitness.
'It's easily forgotten when you're winning games and you're flying high at the top with the actual personnel that we've been missing this year,' added Forster.
'So, to welcome them back at a crucial time of the year I think, obviously, speaks volumes for what we've done already this year.
'But, obviously, moving forward it's some big, experienced boys to come back in.'
In further good news from the North Wales camp, the club has confirmed a new deal for Joe Baldwin, who will extend his stay with the Crusaders until the end of the 2027 season.
Having played at Orrell St James during his junior career, Baldwin was signed by Super League outfit Wigan Warriors in 2019.
He was able to gain plenty of valuable experience at the club before he made the move to Crusaders in 2024.
Baldwin became a key figure towards the back end of last season, picking up the young player of the year accolade at the club's end of season awards.
On his new deal, Baldwin told the club's website: 'I'm buzzing to have signed another two years here.
'The coaching staff and lads are quality, and my game has developed loads in my past two years at this great club.
'Now I'm excited to see what the next two years bring both for my personal career and Crusaders in general to see how far the club can go.'
Forster added: 'Joe is a brilliant young player and you can see the development in his game year on year.'
With seven games left, Crusaders know that five wins will be sufficient to give them the League One crown. North Wales are three points ahead of Midlands Hurricanes, with third-placed Swinton Lions a further point back.
Midlands are heading to Workington Town on Sunday, while Swinton will be favourites at home to basement side Newcastle Thunder.
In further action, Whitehaven make the trip to Goole Vikings.