I was suprised recently when on a flight from Brisbane to Rocky two blokes in the rows in front of me were having a cross isle conversation about all things RL when one of them mentioned the Celtic (pronounced Selltic) playing in Super League, he was saying they haven't won a game yet, although his info was a bit off because he was saying 2 teams get relegated and 2 teams are promoted in SL. I felt like saying something
. Anyway tottally random story but i have a point in this post.
I have been in a pretty good mood about Welsh RL recently, despite the Crusaders being without a win. Most of this has come from news of a game against England, the Colts winning their comp and 4 Welsh youngsters picked in the GB U-18 squad, one of them captain, and from memory 3 only started playing recently with atleast one starting after attending the Crusaders U-18 trials last year.
So for the Crusaders the youth development seems to be going really well, having 4 players of GB standard in U-18's is great, now let's hope they push their way into SL and star for Wales in coming years.
The two areas that do trouble me at the Crusaders are the squad and the crowds.
The crowds have been decent so far but with no wins under the belt it may be hard for them to keep their average up if they don'tstart winning some soon. Next season is also a worry, the novelty factor may have worn off and if they don' improve this year their crowds for next year may suffer. However this comes back to the squad:
Celtic will no doubt be planning signings for next year, from what I'm aware they are under the salary cap so there should be plenty to spend, i also think a few existing players will be moved on. I really think they should not just be looking to sign good players but good players that will bring more attention to the club. This in turn will increase the crowds you would imagine. Now what sort of players do I mean you ask? well known players in Wales.
Now these players would fall in to four categories, they are Welsh RL Internationals, Welsh RU Internationals former RU players of any nationality currently playing RL and RL Stars (player like a Jones for Catalans).
Welsh RL InternationalsKeiron Cunningham
Dave Halley
Lee Briers
Welsh RU InternationalsI don't know much here because I'm not a big Union fan, no doubt somebody on here could list a few good players to target.
Former RU PlayersWendall Sailor
Matt Rogers
There is probably more players that could be added to the 1st and 3rd list and no doubt the 2nd. I'm also not sure about current contracts for those players, they're probably all signed for next year
The only positions that I wouldn't be looking to improve is Fullback and wings, obviously they can't afford to stock up on all the remaining positons but I really think priority should be Centre, Five Eight and Back Row.
Signing a Welsh RU player would be BIG for Celtic IMO, it would attract alot of attention in Wales if a big name player switched codes. That alone would surely boost media attention and crowds. I imagine they could find a very good RL player playing Welsh RU and that would be benificial to both Crusaders and the national team. I would suggest targeting a flashy player either a back-rower, half or centre. I wopuldn't look to sign more than 1 or maximum 2 because the last thing they want to do is infuriate the WRU and it's fans, one is very much acceptable though.
A Welsh or former Welsh RL international would not attract as much attention but it would no doubt benifit them. A player like Cunningham who is a modern day great or Briers who on his day is as good as any half in SL and has been a loyal servent for Wales for years. Halley is a current international with alot of potential and pace, could cement a spot in the centres and become a star IMO.
A current RL Star, and let's let's not underestimate my use of the word star would also add alot. Celtic could claim to have one of the best RL players in the world, something they are a long way from being able to say at present. So names that spring to mind for this category (not all going to be realstic) are Thurston, Lockyer, Inglis, Falou, Marshall, Slater, Stewart, Price, Civoniceva, Watmough, Ennis, Farah, Wallace, Webb, Luke, Asotasi, Mannering, Pryce, Roby, Burrow, Peacock, Morley, Graham, Ellis, Bosc those are some players that spring to mind. Now before you all go off at me I'm perfectly aware that most oif them will still be inder contract for next year, i was just demonstating what I meant by the use of the word "star".
If Celtic can manager to snare a few players like this then it would no doubt imprve results, crowds and media coverage, all of which will be very benificial to Celtic, and Wales RL in general.
Another key point is showing some of the youth squad game time at some point. If Ben Flower could push his way to starting back row spot it wouldbe good for them aswell.
On a wider range I would definatley look at setting up another Welsh Championship club before the next SL licenses are announced. Wouldn't it be nice come 2012 we have Crusaders playing with 5+ genuine Welsh players, Toulouse and Catalans in SL, a Welsh, Scottish and Irish club all in Championship or C1 and more English players than ever in SL with some more possible expansion into the midlands at championship level. TBH I think they are all very realistic goals.
. Anyway tottally random story but i have a point in this post.
