CHRIS BARRATT has admitted North Wales Crusaders don’t do things the easy way as they look to make sure of their spot in the end of season League One play-offs.

Carl Forster’s side would have climbed above Workington Town and into the top-six had they triumphed in their Sunday showdown at Hunslet.

However, the third-placed hosts overturned an 18-6 half-time deficit to record a 28-20 triumph at the South Leeds Stadium.

Captain Barratt, one of Crusaders’ standout performers this season, told the club’s website: “It’s going to be a tough ask to make the play-offs.

“Why do it the easy way? We like to keep people on the edge of their seats.

“We’ve got to take it one game at a time and try to knock off wins.

“We probably need to win two of the next three games to gain a play-off berth, and we will fight until the last minute of the season to try and defeat the odds.

“Once we are in the play-offs, it’s like different competition, and anything can happen – just like last season.”

Crusaders’ play-off hopes are hanging by a thread following that loss at Hunslet, with Carl Forster’s side now having to win their final two matches of the regular season to stand a chance of finishing in the top-six.

North Wales came firing out of the blocks at Hunslet and they claimed the lead in the eighth minute.

Ben Lane grabbed a converted try to hand Crusaders the ideal start.

Things got even better for Forster’s side when they extended their advantage in the 24th minute.

Skipper Barratt barged his way over the whitewash and Lane duly added the extras.

More Crusaders’ joy came after half-an-hour via Kieron Taylor’s score and Lane’s conversion stretched the lead out to 18 points.

However, tries from Jude Ferreira, Jordan Syme, Ethan Wood, Jimmy Watson and Mackenzie Turner saw Hunslet battle back for victory.

Crusaders, who remain in seventh spot, travel to Rochdale Hornets on Sunday, before they host Cornwall on September 1.

Nothing less than two wins will do for Crusaders, with play-off rivals Workington hosting Newcastle Thunder on Sunday, prior to their trip to champions Oldham on September 1.

While there’s still much to play for this season, Barratt has also been looking forward to the future.

He has been leading from the front this season, with nine tries from 18 appearances, earning himself a contract for next season.

“I’m excited to be staying in 2025, and I’m looking forward to see progressing on and off the pitch,” added Barratt.

“The fans have been great all season and follow us all over the country, it would be great if we could repay them by putting in some good performances at the back end of the campaign and getting into the play-offs to end this year strongly.”