WHILE North Wales Crusaders have been busy making new signings in preparation for next season, head coach Carl Forster says it’s important the club also retains the talent already at their disposal.

The likes of Lloyd Roby and Sam Wilde will be making the switch to North Wales from Widnes Vikings in 2025, however Forster, who is set to retire from playing at the end of this season, is thrilled that players are remaining with the club.

On the topic of re-signings, Forster (pictured) told CruCast: “We’re making our way through that.

“Obviously, there’s some lads that we still need to speak to.

“There’s obviously on-going work behind the scenes constantly, if I’m honest.

“It’s every day. It’s never-ending at the minute, but your Chris Barratts of the world, our club captain, for me, out and out best player on the field this season, nearly every single week.

“Obviously, Shaun Costello, the progression he’s made from last season to this season is just unbelievable.

“So, these lads deserve to be the first ones spoken to and, obviously, signed up.

“Kieran Taylor, you know, there’s no secret that Widnes offered him a contract and he turned it down and stayed with us.

“So, it just shows where we’re going and where we want to be and, hopefully, it’s a few of many more.”