Thomas set for Friday debut

Saturday 13th March 2010

Crusaders coach Brian Noble confirmed that Gareth Thomas should make his debut for the club in next Friday's home clash against Super League rivals Catalans.

Noble was speaking after his side's 37-30 defeat at St Helens as the Welshmen left the GPW Recruitment Stadium with their pride intact and their reputation enhanced. Thomas watched on from St Helens' main stand and saw his new team outscored by six tries to five.

"Gareth will be ready for next week," said Noble. "He has practised really well but it's been a bit strange when you are having to teach how to carry out the play-the-ball. But he's an absolutely quality player and a quality person."

Noble justifiably took heart from his side's second-half display as they hit Saints with four tries.

After Vince Mellars went over in the first half, Jamie Thackray, Gareth Raynor, Michael Witt and Anthony Blackwood touched down in the second period.

Noble revealed: "We asked for a bit of a response at half-time.

"We started the game on the back foot and Saints were far too quick for us.

"But we had more purpose to our play in the second half and, although we didn't quite achieve parity, we put in a big effort."

Crusaders have won many admirers for their encouraging start to the season and, with the impressive Witt pulling the strings at scrum-half, they should be far more competitive than they were last season.

"We have certainly got a pulse," said Noble. "We know we need to stop digging a hole for ourselves and there were some salutary lessons there for us to learn from."