Crusaders snap up Noble to boost fortunes

Dave Hadfield
Thursday 15 October 2009 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Brian Noble is to head the new regime charged with rescuing the Celtic Crusaders. The former Bradford and Great Britain coach, discarded by Wigan less than two weeks ago, has been appointed head coach at the Welsh outpost of Super League.

Jon Sharp, the ex-Huddersfield coach, will be first-team coach, with the dual-code international Iestyn Harris completing a highly experienced new team.

"I feel it's a fabulous opportunity the three of us have been given," Noble said. "It's an awesome challenge. The potential is there to build something and leave something special."

Noble, aged 48, replaces John Dixon, whose contract was not renewed after a troubled first Super League season that saw the Bridgend-based Crusaders finish last and have six players deported. Like Noble, Sharp was out of work after losing his previous job – as director of coaching at Hull.

Huddersfield's Paul Whatuira has been taken to a secure unit for mental assessment, after being arrested in connection with an alleged street attack. Whatuira, a member of the Giants' Challenge Cup final team at Wembley in August, was arrested after an incident on the outskirts of Huddersfield which left one man with severe facial injuries. He was taken to Huddersfield police station, but later moved to a secure unit in Bradford for an assessment on his mental health.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in