North Wales Crusaders have made some interesting moves in the transfer window, signing Brad Clavering and Bailey Dawson to bolster their squad. These signings come at a crucial time for the club, which has been struggling in the Championship and is currently propping up the league ladder. The Crusaders, led by former Salford RLFC boss Mike Grady, have had a challenging season, losing heavily to London Broncos and facing financial troubles. The addition of Clavering and Dawson is an attempt to turn things around and improve their fortunes.
Clavering, a 28-year-old forward from Hull, has a decent amount of experience under his belt. He last played for Hunslet in the professional section of the game's pyramid, making 13 appearances last season. His career has seen him play for York Knights, Hemel Stags, Midlands Hurricanes (formerly known as Coventry Bears), and most recently, Goole Vikings. It's interesting to note that, despite his experience, Clavering has only scored 10 tries in his 76 career appearances, with nine of those coming for Midlands.
Dawson, on the other hand, is a younger talent who has been in the youth ranks of Super League clubs Hull KR and Castleford Tigers. However, he has never made a first-team appearance for either club. Dawson has played 43 senior-level games for Midlands, Whitehaven, Dewsbury Rams, and Goole Vikings, scoring a single try for Goole last season.
The Crusaders' decision to sign these players is intriguing, especially given their recent form. With a 12-point deduction earlier in the season due to financial troubles, the club is in a rebuilding phase. The heavy defeat at the hands of London Broncos last weekend further emphasizes the need for change. The addition of Clavering and Dawson is a step towards that direction, but it remains to be seen if it will be enough to turn the tide.
From my perspective, the Crusaders' move to sign these players is a calculated risk. Clavering's experience could provide a much-needed boost to the team's defense, while Dawson's youth and potential could be an exciting prospect for the future. However, the club's financial troubles and recent form suggest that they are in a vulnerable position. It will be interesting to see if these signings can spark a turnaround and help the Crusaders climb the league ladder.
