OLLY DAVIES says he is “loving life” with the North Wales Crusaders.

Davies has been with League One Crusaders on loan from Championship Halifax Panthers for the past month and he has quickly become a real favourite in Carl Forster’s side.

Ahead of the weekend’s 32-18 loss to Midlands Hurricanes, Davies told the club’s website: “I’ve only had three games within the initial four-week loan period as we had a week off, but it went so well and I enjoyed it so much.

“North Wales Crusaders are keen to keep hold of me for the rest of the season which I’m pleased has happened, but Halifax still have the option to call me back if needs be.”

Reflecting on his time at Colwyn Bay’s Stadiwm CSM so far, Davies added: “I’ve enjoyed being here, the last few years has been a bit tough in regards to the fact that I’ve been playing at different clubs, but if you get someone behind you, like Foz (Forster), I can’t explain how the lads respond to the way he talks, and as soon as he starts talking, everyone stops and listens.

“He also gets in with the lads and has a chat with them, and it’s remarkable really how he does it and how he balances being a coach and player.

“I enjoy playing alongside him, we’ve had lots of chats as coach and player, and to muck into the tackles together, it’s been enjoyable and that’s what North Wales Crusaders has done for me personally.

“I’ve got back to loving rugby league and I can’t thank him enough for bringing me down.”

Prior to Sunday’s defeat, Crusaders had embarked on a three-match winning run to boost their hopes of reaching the end of season play-offs.

“The lads have had a bit of a reset, we got some back from injury and we’ve bought some new additions and we’ve just attacked this last month,” said Davies.

“We’ve had some of the hardest journeys in this league, it’s a tough league, but the lads are just brilliant to be around.”

Upcoming fixtures are set to be defining ones in the race to reach the play-offs.

Crusaders host title-chasing Oldham this Sunday, before they welcome Hunslet seven days later.

Then, on August 4, North Wales head north to tackle Hunslet.

“It’s something which Foz has spoken about, we’ve just got to make sure that we can be in the six, once in the mix, it’s anyone’s game,” added Davies.

“I’m really encouraged and excited of what the next few weeks will bring.”

He has also been full of praise for the Crusaders’ supporters.

Davies said: “I’ve been at a few clubs where the supporters haven’t been that vocal, but the North Wales Crusaders supporters are a loud and a loyal bunch. There may not be a vast amount, but you know that they are there, which we really appreciate and it just reminds you that we are here to do a job because they’ve all put hands in their pockets.

“They are all a credit to the club, and I’m looking forward to meeting them as the year goes on.”