BEN EVANS had a “longing” to play for a Welsh side ahead of his decision to join North Wales Crusaders.

Welsh international Evans, who admitted part of him had a “bit of longing to play back in Wales”, made the move to the Colwyn Bay-based club ahead of the current campaign and it could still be a successful one for North Wales, who are battling to reach the end-of-season League One play-offs.

This season, Crusaders are involved in a battle with Midlands Hurricanes and Workington Town to secure one of the final two play-off berths.

Evans told CruCast: “I had to leave Barrow a year early due to work and family commitments.

“Obviously, just had the second baby now.

“Little Freddie’s four months old, so travelling up there and working, children, work life, family balance, it was just too much.

“So, Foz (Carl Forster) got in contact with me.

“I’ve known Foz for years, from when we played together over 18 and the result was part of me that saw it would be nice to sort of play in a Welsh country.”

Fresh from a season with Championship outfit Barrow Raiders, Evans penned a deal with Crusaders last December.

Evans began his career at Super League outfit Warrington Wolves with loan spells at Bradford Bulls, Leigh and Rochdale, before leaving Warrington to join London Broncos ahead of the 2017 season.

He made close to half-a-century of appearances in the capital before crossing the channel and making the switch to Toulouse in 2019.

Evans returned to Bradford for the 2021 season where he made 33 appearances for the club, scoring five tries, earning himself a move to Cumbria to link up with Barrow Raiders.

On the international stage, Evans made his Wales debut against France in 2012 before going on to represent his country at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

Evans added: “Obviously, there’s a lot of history with Crusaders and where they originated from all the way back in Bridgend, where I’m from.

“So, part of me just had a bit of longing to play back in Wales, I suppose.

“So, I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been great for the family.

“Like I said, closer to home and really enjoyed this year.”

Looking at what Crusaders will need to do to ensure they secure a top-six finish this season, Evans stressed: “There’s too many games where we were amazing for 40 minutes and then terrible for 20 minutes.

“If we can put a good 60, 70, 80-minute performance together, I think we can beat anyone in the league.”

Head coach Carl Forster says Crusaders will battle right to the end in their quest to reach the end of season play-offs.

Following Sunday’s 24-16 loss to Keighley Cougars, Crusaders have three matches remaining in their quest to finish in the top-six.

Forster told the club’s website: “We want this, and these lads will fight until the last second of the final home game against Cornwall to ensure the club ends up in a play-off place.

“Once you’re there, you only have to look at our run last season, anything can happen.”