CARL FORSTER says North Wales Crusaders are already playing play-off rugby.

Crusaders are in a fierce battle to make sure of their spot in the end-of-season League One play-offs and next up is Sunday’s meeting with second-placed Keighley Cougars in Chester.

Head coach Forster told CruCast: “We’ve got into that play-off territory, haven’t we?

“We’re playing play-off rugby now and, you know, we needed to win (at Workington).

“I think you could see that desperation on our faces when the final whistle did go and just overall relief and, without doubt, the best two points of the season.”

Forster has targeted three wins from the closing five matches to make sure of a play-off berth and one of these was achieved by the brilliant 28-24 comeback triumph at Workington last weekend.

Two out of Crusaders, Workington and Midlands Hurricanes will occupy the final couple of play-off berths and it’s so tight with the business end of the season fast approaching.

Forster’s North Wales are seventh in the standings, but they have a game in hand over both of their play-off rivals, who will meet this weekend.