IT HAS been described as one of the most important games in the history of the sport in Wales.
Rugby League heroes Crusaders travel from Wrexham to Yorkshire tomorrow for a crucial play-off match – and hundreds of fans from the region will be making the trip with them.
The team has a burgeoning supporters club and one of the organisers, Maurice Jones, said confidence of success is high in the Welsh camp.
Some 500 to 600 fans are expected to travel to the showdown with Huddersfield Giants, ensuring the team gets the best possible support.
Maurice said: “I would definitely say come out and back the lads to the hilt. What they have achieved this season has been quite outstanding.
“This is going to be one the biggest ever games in the history of Welsh rugby league.”
Crusaders have made outstanding Super League progress this season.
The team has gone from basement boys to play-off contenders, a feat all the more remarkable in light of the side’s chaotic start to the season.
Crusaders’ move to Wrexham saw them begin without a full squad and some players unable to arrive until midway through the campaign.
They went on to attract average home gates of more than 5,000.
Maurice said: “It shows there is a good level of support. We would like to develop that further next season and encourage communities throughout North Wales to come to the games.”
The supporters club has held two members meetings so far.
The first early in the campaign had a low attendance but it was a very different story the second time around.
“It was in a pub and so many people turned up there wasn’t enough room for us, so we had to go out to the beer garden!” said Maurice.
Interest in tomorrow’s match has grown to such an extent that Crusaders have requested another batch of tickets to cope with demand.
Maurice added: “Crusaders have been showing excellent form recently and we are really up for this game.
“It will be tough but there is a lot of optimism we can come out victorious.”
Crusader Peter Lupton admits the move to Wrexham has done wonders for the
club, players and followers of the game in North Wales.
The 28-year-old said: “We’ve made some huge strides forward this season and everyone is really looking forward to playing Huddersfield.
“It was a tough start to the year. We had a pretty scratchy start during pre-season as we only had half a squad and it sort of rolled on from there.
“However, there has been a real togetherness about the squad from day one.
We’ve grown and gelled as the season has gone on and it’s good that the hard work has paid off.”
And Lupton insists Crusaders, whose preparations included a yoga session on the training ground, can win.
He said: “I think if we play like we did against Hull KR and just stay solid then there is no reason why we can’t progress.
“Huddersfield are a big, physical side but they’ve also got some quality backs who can strike from anywhere.
“But we fear no one; we’re playing some good rugby at the moment and we are full of confidence. There has always been a belief.”