Thomas will play - Noble

Thursday 18th March 2010

Gareth Thomas will make his rugby league debut in Crusaders' home game against Catalans Dragons on Friday.

The 35-year-old former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain is expected to start on the wing after Crusaders head coach Brian Noble confirmed the player would make his final cut.

"He will feature in the 17, that's for sure," said Noble. "He's had a couple of good weeks' practice and he's fitted in with the group really well."

Thomas, who was released from the last two months of his contract with Cardiff Blues, has signed a deal with the Super League club to the end of the season, with an option for 2011.

"He'll find out what it's about on Friday night," added Noble.

"He's been practising on the wing and a little bit of centre.

"We've already gathered that he can carry the ball pretty well, so we need to get the ball to him as much as we can."

Meanwhile, Crusaders are close to completing their squad with three new signings in the pipeline.

Rhys Hansbury, 24, a full-back from Wests Tigers, has cleared red tape and is set to arrive around Easter, while Noble confirmed the club are in talks with Ulster full-back Clinton Schifcofske and Penrith Panthers utility player Jarrod Sammut.

"We are getting frustratingly close." he said. "You have to be patient but we're hopeful in a couple of weeks people will be over the line."