North Wales Crusaders media manager Ryan Gould picks out five different reasons why you should see the club take on Doncaster in their League 1 opener.
The action gets underway at Queensway Stadium in Wrexham from 2.30pm on Sunday (February 16).
A GOOD START
Crusaders got their 2020 campaign underway with a 64-6 win at Rochdale Mayfield in the third round of the Challenge Cup.
North Wales found themselves 16-0 by half-time and then ran riot in the second-half.
The Welshmen scored an extremely impressive seven tries in 16 minutes, taking advantage of any opportunities that came their way.
A PROMISING SQUAD
Crusaders’ squad in 2020 has a very different look to the one that finished last season.
A number of players have either retired or moved elsewhere, meaning North Wales boss Anthony Murray has had to carry out an extensive recruitment drive in the off-season.
Ten new signings in total have been brought in to make up what is currently a 24-man squad.
Those who have recently stepped up from the amateur game, such as Gav Rodden and Jordy Gibson, have acclimatised to life in the semi-professional ranks very well, with the former grabbing four tries last weekend.
The likes of Chris Barratt, Brad Billsborough, Ryan Millington and Kieran Sherratt have also proven to be shrewd additions.
That’s without mentioning the regulars from 2019, with Dave Eccleston, Elliott Jenkins and Rob Massam impressing in the win at Mayfield.
One of the biggest boosts, however, will be the return of Tommy Johnson, who missed all of last season and looks right at home at fullback already.
A GOOD MARKER
Doncaster have a strong squad in 2020 and are one of the favourites to win promotion to the Championship.
It will no doubt be a good marker for Anthony Murray to see how his new-look squad are shaping up at the start of the season.
It was one victory apiece last term, with Crusaders travelling up to Yorkshire and winning 12-10 at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Doncaster won the reverse fixture 30-0 at Queensway Stadium.
A FUN DAY OUT
Crusaders is like one big family, as you will have heard through the recent fan profiles.
Professional rugby league has now been played in Wrexham for ten years, with the current club formed back in 2012.
A warm welcome awaits any new supporters and there is plenty of food and drink available on site for you to enjoy.
U16S GO FREE
Entry to all of Crusaders’ home matches in 2020 is completely free to encourage more children and families to get behind the club.
There is the opportunity to become a mascot for the day and lead the team out on to the pitch, while club mascot Colyn the Crusader will be around to entertain.
