
NORTH WALES CRUSADERS coach Carl Forster has backed hooker Joe Baldwin to get even better after penning a new one-year deal.
Having played at Orrell St James as a junior, Baldwin was signed by Wigan in 2019 before moving to North Wales ahead of last season.
The 19-year-old became a key figure towards the end of the campaign, picking up the club’s young player of the year prize.
“I’m really happy to keep Joe on board. Last year he came in unknown to the group and a young lad, full of energy and wanting to learn,” said Forster.
“He ended the year starting and playing big minutes, he was outstanding and deservedly won young player of the year.
“Joe will only get better the more he plays and I’m really happy that it will be with this club.”
North Wales have also signed former Swinton forward Paddy Jones on a one-year deal.