Ground: Eirias Stadium (6,080)
Coach: Anthony Murray
Captain: Tommy Johnson
Last season: 3rd League 1 (elimination semi-final)

The Crusaders flew the flag in 2022 for League 1 by reaching the fifth round of the Betfred Challenge Cup.

With this in mind, it comes of little surprise that Anthony Murray’s side are tipped by many to win promotion to the Championship – a level North Wales last competed at in 2014.

After a strong campaign in 2021 which resulted in a third placed finish, North Wales were somewhat surprisingly dumped out of the play-offs on home soil to Doncaster.

Like the Dons, Murray’s North Wales outfit will be looking to banish the painful memories of last year’s disappointing play-off campaign.

And North Wales will also make history in 2022 when they provide the first ever opposition for Cornwall RLFC when we begin our professional rugby league journey on Saturday, April 2 in Colwyn Bay at the Eirias Stadium.

Quick North Wales facts: 

• Known as the Celtic Crusaders (2009) and simply Crusaders (2010-2011), the side competed for three years in Super League.
• Current North Wales skipper Tommy Johnson was part of the club that reformed as North Wales Crusaders in 2012. He is also the club’s all-time appearance and points scorer.

Memorial Ground: Round 18; Sunday, August 7; 3.00pm
Eirias Stadium: Round two; Saturday, April 2; 5.30pm