Josh is using his knowledge to help North Wales Crusaders

Leader Live

a day ago

Eaves has been a key part of the set-up this season at Crusaders, helping the side to occupy a lofty position in the League One standings with half of the season now completed.
He has formed a strong bond with club colleague Joe Baldwin and Eaves is imparting all the knowledge he has picked up over the course of his career to date.
Eaves told CruCast: 'Obviously, Baldy's only a young lad. I've been in similar positions to Baldy.
'I've been privileged and lucky enough to learn off the best hooker for five years when I was at Saints in James Roby and I had Keiron Cunningham as a coach for a year.
'I've played at Leigh on dual-reg with Mickey Higham. So, I've had experience with probably three of the best hookers there's been, but I've also played with other hookers.
'So, I've been like a sponge in my early career. Obviously, I am getting on now, coming up for 28 in a few months, but just it's about passing that experience, that knowledge, that understanding of the game down to Joe and what can I say about Baldy?
'Obviously, he's probably not happy with the minutes he's getting. But, what I can tell you, he trains the absolute house down.
'He's probably one of the best trainers and when he comes on, he does his job. He doesn't overplay.
'He just does his job. So, he's been really good.'
Baldwin began his playing career at Orrell St James as a junior, before he was signed by Wigan Warriors in 2019.
He gained valuable experience with the Super League champions, prior to making the move to North Wales in 2024.
Making an impact within Carl Forster's side, 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.
While Eaves is helping Baldwin on his journey, the opposite is also the case.
Eaves added: 'Obviously, pre-season, guiding him if you want to say. But, also he pushes me, obviously, because I used to be that young, fit lad running about the field, winning every concession.
'But, now he's there, I'm trying to keep up with him and that. It's a good little competition, but we also have a good relationship off the field.
'We're quite close off the field. He's always sitting next to me on the bus, robs my sweets and that!
'But, we do have a close relationship.'
Anther big weekend is in the offing for North Wales Crusaders in League One.
Crusaders are leading the way in the standings and they play host to second-placed Midlands Hurricanes on Sunday.