Crusaders back Thomas to be RL hit

Wednesday 17th March 2010

Gareth Thomas has been tipped by his new Crusaders' team-mates to make a success of his switch of codes.

The 35-year-old former Wales and British Lions captain moved a step closer to making his rugby league debut on Wednesday when he was named in coach Brian Noble's 19-man squad for Friday's Engage Super League clash with Catalans Dragons at the Racecourse Ground.

Thomas, who won a century of caps for Wales, has been training with the squad for only just over a week but Crusaders captain Ryan O'Hara said: "He's been doing well. He has been learning the game slowly but he has got some skills and his footwork is amazing. Some of the stuff he's done in training has been unbelievable."

He added: "He's an immensely-talented player who I'm really looking forward to seeing out on the field and seeing what he can do. He is really hungry and up for the challenge."

Thomas watched from the stands for the first time last Friday when his team-mates lost 37-30 at St Helens and is ready to taste the action, according to Crusaders hooker Lincoln Withers.

"He has been great," said Withers. "He's had over a week of rugby league training under his belt and he looks really good.

"Obviously it is going to take time but you don't play 100 international games for your country if you're not a good player.

"Whatever he does he will be successful. It's been great to have him training, he's very experienced and he brings a lot to the team."

Thomas takes the place of Wales international Anthony Blackwood which suggests he will make his rugby league debut on the wing.

The injury-hit Catalans are poised to give a debut to 20-year-old half-back David Guasch.