ROB MASSAM was a key figure in North Wales Crusaders’ brilliant run to League One’s grand final last season.

Now, the former Welsh international will be looking to have the same impact as he has made the decision to return to the club.

Crusaders’ record try-scorer retired from rugby league following last autumn’s grand final loss to Doncaster, but he has opted to return to the club - and head coach Carl Forster is delighted with the developments.

Forster told Crusaders’ website: “It’s great to have Rob back.

“I’ve kept in touch with him since last season, and he’s always interested in how the boys are going.

“He fits the bill perfectly and I’m hoping him coming back to the club can give us the lift we and the fans need, and ultimately give him the send off he didn’t get last season and the one he deserves.”

In a further club development, Josh Antoniou is set to be appointed as the new general manager.

Crusaders’ CEO Andy Moulsdale said: “Having worked with Josh for many years, and more closely since his return to the club this year, I have every faith that he will be able to progress the club from within.

“It’s a credit not just to Josh but the wider board and volunteers that we’ve run the club with very little issues whilst all carrying out full-time jobs in addition to our roles here. However, we’ve always recognised that a key point to being able to run a smoother operation would be having someone employed to manage the club working alongside the new owners and myself.”