Rob says there's a great atmosphere at the Crusaders

Ex-Wales international Massam retired at the end of last season but he has now returned to the Cru ranks as Carl Forster’s side pushes to secure a spot in the end-of-season League One play-offs.

Reflecting on his return to the side, Massam told CruCast: “I only stopped playing for Crusaders for circumstances... like the long drives and stuff.

“But, I just want to play rugby and we’ve got a good group and, obviously, the staff and that have been super flexible with me.”

Massam grabbed a hat-trick of tries during his League One return in the win away to Newcastle Thunder, but that has been his only appearance so far this season.

“I literally just slotted back in,” he said. “Because, if you think about the heart of the team, like obviously Carl (Forster) and the staff and stuff, they’re the same.

“You’ve got obviously Pat Ah Van and Matty Reid, the people that have been playing there for a while.

“So all the new guys that come in fall into their sort of standards and I’ve been around that and I left with that, so I’ve very much fitted in and all I’ve got to do is remember people’s names and stuff.

“I didn’t feel out of place, so that was really nice as well, to be honest. It’s a real good team as well. Good bunch of lads.”

Crusaders’ play-off hopes took a dent following a 32-6 defeat at leaders Oldham.

Oldham started the day sitting second in the League 1 table and the home side led 16-0 at half-time.

There was no let-up after the interval as Oldham extended their lead to 30-0.

Cru had the last say with Chris Barratt scoring under the posts and Dan Coates converting but the visitors were well beaten in the end as Oldham secured a comfortable win.

After suffering a second defeat in a row, Crusaders stay sixth in the standings.

But Workington in seventh spot defeated Rochdale Hornets 14-12 and have moved onto the same number of points as Crusaders.

Hunslet won 42-16 at Newcastle Thunder and sit third.