Crusaders net Nikau junior

North Wales Crusaders have gone down under to add further depth to their squad.
Centre Tyme Nikau, the son of former Castleford Tigers and Warrington Wolves star Tawera Nikau (pictured), has decided to make the move to the UK and test himself at League 1 level.
He has previously featured in the development squads at NRL clubs Melbourne Storm and New Zealand Warriors, but has more recently been playing in the Newcastle Rugby League competition, firstly with Maitland Pickers and then for Burri Burri Bulldogs.
“I’ve been lucky enough to experience the sport as a young fella with my old man playing over there,” Nikau said.
“It’s always appealed to me to go and play over there and see how I would go.
“Anthony Murray (coach) seems like he’s been building the team in a really good way, so I’m hoping I can help contribute to that momentum.”
The club also signed Andy Ball last week from Leigh East and Murray hopes he will complement Karl Ashall at hooker when the joint captain returns from injury.
And that in itself could be much sooner than initially expected.
“With Karl still out we needed a bit more cover in the hooking area and Andy came very well recommended,” said Murray.
“It’s an opportunity for him to play at a higher level, so hopefully he’ll take it and he’ll be a great addition to our squad.
“We have Brad Billsborough there too, and he has been doing well for us, so we have three hookers who all have different styles and can complement each other well.
“As it turns out, Karl might not need surgery now, but we’re still waiting for that to be confirmed, so he might not be out for as long as we thought. If so it will be a big boost for us.”
Ball went straight into contention for Sunday’s trip to London Skolars, while Nikau is due to arrive in the UK on March 11.