Wigan Warriors halfback joins new club ahead of 2024 season

Wigan Warriors halfback / hooker Reece Bushell has joined Betfred League One club North Wales Crusaders for 2024.

The 20 year old hooker started playing rugby league for amateur club Wigan St Cuthberts before switching to Ince Rose Bridge leading to him being spotted by hometown club Wigan Warriors in 2018.

Bushell featured a handful of times last season for Wigan Warriors Reserves and was part of the title winning squad.

Bushell said: “You’ve got to take a step back before you can step forward and I’m ever greatful for Carl Forster and Stuart Simmons for giving me this opportunity to join North Wales Crusaders.

“I am buzzing to have signed at North Wales Crusaders, I believe the fans are loud and proud, and I can’t wait to get started to show them what I can do this year and hopefully stay at the club for seasons to come.”

North Wales Crusaders head coach Carl Forster added: “Reece is a young lad who’s keen to learn and develop.

“We can already see the difference in player from day one of pre-season to now.

“He’s come from a top system, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Soon after he first started playing rugby league in high school, Reece joined Wigan St Cuthbert’s ARLFC.

Reece, who then moved to Ince Rose Bridge, signed his first contract with the Warriors in September 2018.

The club meanwhile have confirmed that Carl Foster will captain the side in 2024. Chris Barrett has been named as captain for the season with Owain Abel taking the title of vice captain for 2024 with the pair set to play crucial roles in helping Forster guide his young squad.

Commenting on his selections, Forster said: “Chris was the standout and obvious choice for me as captain.

“He leads by example on the field and also off it. When he speaks everyone stops and listens, he knows what the club is about and what direction we want to go in. For me, he is what you want in a captain”

Foster said himself: “Owain will be great help to Chris and the team. He’s loud and never shuts up on the field and also off it.

“His energy is infectious within the group and he always leads with his actions in training and on a gameday.

“He shows what you can do when you apply yourself in the correct way.”