NORTH WALES CRUSADERS coach Mike Grady is keen for more signings after recruiting five new faces over the past week.
They include a return to the professional game for James Thornton, the former Hemel Stags and Dewsbury Rams forward who last featured for Oldham in 2023.
Grady has also agreed a deal with Ralph Wood, a winger from Leigh Miners Rangers, as well as bringing in Barrow Raiders men Stevie Watson, Trent Ruddy and Seth Woodend on short-term loan deals for the visit of Widnes Vikings yesterday (Sunday).
They all follow the signings of former Swinton Lions pair Jimmy Shields and Kye Jacobson plus Jordan Cella and Matty Welham, the former Midlands Hurricanes centre, on deals until the end of the season.
Cella has had spells with Rochdale Mayfield and Thatto Heath Crusaders and even represented Great Britain Police.
Forward Shields has had Super League experience with Salford, featuring against St Helens and Wigan last season, while Australian centre Jacobson moved to the UK when he signed for Cornwall in 2025, shortly before their demise.
But Grady is still on the lookout for more as Crusaders bid to reach the end of a tumultuous season.
“We are still looking to get lads in. I’m busy all week, every week,” he said.
“We have got some good lads here. The Championship is a tough league, so it’s just trying to get a bit more experience in.”