Crusaders complete Thackray signing

Crusaders have signed former Great Britain international Jamie Thackray from Hull FC.

He will be keen to make the team for Crusaders first game of the season, a home game against one of his former clubs, Leeds Rhinos at The Racecourse Ground in Wrexham on Friday 29 January (kick-off 8pm).

The 30-year old prop forward is an experienced Super League player having turned out 180 times in Europe’s elite competition for the Rhinos, Hull FC, Castleford Tigers and Halifax.

He played three times for the Lions under Brian Noble and alongside Iestyn Harris in 2005, twice against Australia and once against New Zealand.

He has played against the Crusaders twice, once for Hull FC last season, but also in an eventful encounter in 2008 while on loan at Doncaster, where he scored a try gave his team a half-time lead at the Keepmoat Stadium before Crusaders rallied back for a 30-22 victory.

Thackray can’t wait for kick-off in two weeks time.

“I’m very much looking forward to it, especially as the first game is against my old club Leeds Rhinos,” Thackray said. “What better way is there to start?

“I’m delighted to have signed for the Crusaders. I’ve played under Brian (Noble) and Jon (Sharp) for Great Britain but I’m looking forward to working for Iestyn (Harris) for the first time. Everyone speaks highly of this new coaching team at the Crusaders and I can’t wait to get started.”

Tickets for Crusaders v Leeds Rhinos on Friday 29 January, priced from just £7 for juniors and £15 for adults, can be purchased through the club’s ticket office on 01978 262129 or by visiting www.crusadersrfl.com