CARL FORSTER is looking forward to the start of North Wales Crusaders’ new campaign.

In the new-look 1895 Cup, Crusaders will open their season at home to Swinton Lions on Sunday.

It will be a tough task for League One side North Wales versus their Championship visitors and it will give the Cru faithful the chance to see some of the club’s new signings at Colwyn Bay’s Stadiwm CSM.

Crusaders’ head coach Forster has been plotting his likely line-up during the build-up to the tie and he said: “You probably know your best one-to-13, but there’s always four-or-five positions up for grabs.

“No-one has done themselves wrong in pre-season and in the Barrow game.

“That makes my life harder. It’s going to be disappointing for a couple of lads this week, but that’s the nature of the beast. It’s week-by-week and I have said to the lads I can’t promise them game time.

“It is what it is.”

Crusaders lost out 32-18 at Championship club Barrow in their sole pre-season run out earlier this month.

Meanwhile, a number of former Crusaders are in the ranks of the Swinton Lions, such as Jack Houghton, Cole Oakley, Matt Fletcher, Jordan Gibson and Gavin Rodden.