North Wales bring in young duo on loan

North Wales have signed Elliott Jenkins and Joe Ryan on one-month loan deals from Rochdale.

Half-back Jenkins made his international debut last year as he helped Wales qualify for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

The 20-year-old, who started in the Hornets’ first two Championship matches this season, will be available for selection for the Crusaders’ home game against Oldham on Sunday.

On joining the Crusaders, Jenkins said: “I have Welsh connections so it’s great to be joining North Wales Crusaders.

“I’m grateful that the club has shown an interest in signing me and want to bring me down to Wrexham.

“I know quite a few of the lads already like Alex Eckley, Callum Hazzard and Dave Eccleston, and I’m looking forward to getting started.

“League 1 is a tough division and it’ll be a good experience. I hope I can show what I’m capable of.”

Ryan joined Rochdale midway through last season after impressing in League 1 while playing for Workington Town.

The forward enjoyed spells in the academies at St Helens and Warrington Wolves before joining Town towards the back end of 2017.

On signing Ryan, Crusaders’ coach Anthony Murray commented: “As we’ve lost Joe Bate and Jonny Walker is struggling to commit to training as often because of work, it was important we strengthened the forwards.

“It was the right time to bring in another middle to bolster our options and I’m pleased with Joe’s addition.

“He’s been involved with a good academy set-up at Warrington and has experience both at our level and higher.”