Crusaders preparing to make use of home start

A year ago the Bridgend-based club went down 28-6 to the Rhinos in their first Super League match and have again been chosen to play in the season opener against the defending champions.

This time the Crusaders will have home advantage, at their new Racecourse Ground base, but they will go into the game under-prepared because of protracted takeover talks and without the benefit of a practice match.

New head coach Brian Noble has yet to complete his team

re-building and O'Hara, one of 10 survivors from the 2009 team, admits there are similarities to last year when he was one of seven players to arrive in the country less than a week before the opening match due to visa difficulties.

Although they emerged with respect from their encounter with the Rhinos, they went on to win just three matches under coach John Dixon and ended their inaugural season with the wooden spoon.

"Preparation wasn't great last year, this time it's been a lot smoother," said O'Hara.

"We've still a couple more guys to come on board but we've been working really hard at training. Although the cohesion and the team-work might not be up to where we want it, I'm sure that's something we'll be working hard on."