'I never doubted my Crusaders' - Dixon - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

'I never doubted my Crusaders' - Dixon

By Craig Chisnall 18/05/2009 11:37:58 AM Comments (0)

Celtic Crusaders' Australian coach John Dixon insists he never doubted his Welsh outfit could compete at the top level after they claimed a maiden Super League victory at Bradford.

Aussie-born centre Luke Dyer scored two late tries as Crusaders claimed a thrilling 30-24 win at the Grattan Stadium.

Dixon, who had watched his side suffer 11 successive defeats prior to their Sunday heroics, said: "I always felt we could compete but this will give us a bank of knowledge to say yes we can, and that we can survive an onslaught and come through it.

"With this win, there is belief in there now, there is a spring in their step. It's priceless. This was the first time we were able to match execution to effort.

"I thought our ball control was outstanding and our kick-chase was great."

Meanwhile, Castleford scrum-half Brent Sherwin has revealed his return to full-fitness has been the key to his stunning start to the season.

The former Canterbury Bulldogs star was beset by injury and illness in his first season in Super League, suffering with pneumonia before breaking a bone in his foot.

But after a rigorous pre-season, Sherwin has been one of the standout performers in the league and a major factor in the Tigers impressive opening to the campaign.

Castleford, with Sherwin again in sparkling form, were denied a deserved draw by Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield's penalty as the Rhinos snatched a 24-22 wins and he believes the fans are finally seeing the best of him.

"Last season was disappointing for the club but also for me because I was never really fully fit," said Sherwin.

"When I arrived I had pneumonia, which took a lot out of me and then tore my quad at last season's magic weekend and finished by having a screw put in my foot.

"Hopefully I'm over all of that now and this season is going a lot better and it's great to be playing in this team every week.

"We've caught a few teams, who have maybe underestimated us, on the hop this season and it's been great to play my part in that.

"We're playing well as a team though and if we can continue to do that we will have a good season."

Hull KR boss Justin Morgan has warned his Rovers squad they have achieved nothing yet after going top for 24 hours with a 20-12 win at Wigan.

Another masterful display from former Canberra youngster Michael Dobson set-up Rovers' win before St Helens regained top spot with their 32-28 win at Catalans Dragons.

Despite their stunning start to the season Morgan isn't getting carried away.

"All I'm concerned about is winning games and going top at this stage doesn't mean a great deal," said the former Parramatta prop.

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