Players left in limbo as Crusaders fold - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Players left in limbo as Crusaders fold

By Andy Sampson 26/07/2011 10:46:34 PM Comments (0)

Former Great Britain centre Keith Senior has revealed his fury at the decision of his future club Crusaders to pull out of Super League.

The 35-year-old had signed a two-year contract with the Welsh outfit after 12 years with Leeds Rhinos.

The veteran, whose current season has been ended by a knee injury, now faces an uncertain future after it was announced on Tuesday the Welsh club had withdrawn their Super League licence application.

Senior tweeted: "Crusaders have just f***** me over what a b*****d joke, excuse my language I'm absolutely furious."

Senior's outburst reflects the surprise with which the announcement by the RFL has taken the whole sport.

Wrexham-based Crusaders have had a difficult three years in Super League but were widely expected to be retained in the competition at the expense of Wakefield.

The RFL say they were informed only last night of Crusaders' withdrawal, just before they themselves were to decide which 13 clubs would join Widnes in the 14-team top division for 2012-14.

As well as signing Senior, Crusaders had also tied Wales rugby union legend Gareth Thomas to a new contract with South Sydney backrower Shannan McPherson also left in limbo after agreeing to move to the club for next season.

Crusaders chief executive Rod Findlay said: "This has not been an easy decision but after a lengthy and exhaustive examination of the club's finances, our view is that Crusaders is not sustainable as a Super League club at this stage."

The development will also raise question marks over the futures of other notable players such as Michael Witt and former Penrith playmaker Jarrod Sammut, as well as coach Iestyn Harris.

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