Exclusive: Noble increases Bulls links at Crusaders as Clawson joins

BRIAN Noble has continued the Bradford connection with his latest acquisition at new club Crusaders.

The former Odsal chief, who already has his one-time Bulls captain Iestyn Harris on board as assistant coach, has now taken conditioner Martin Clawson to the Wrexham-based outfit.

Clawson, involved in four consecutive Grand Finals during his time with Noble at Bradford, left the Bulls by mutual agreement last month as part of a coaching shake-up from Steve McNamara.

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However, he has quickly been installed at the Crusaders – who open the Super League campaign when they entertain champions Leeds Rhinos on Friday night – where he has agreed a one-year deal.

Salford full-back Karl Fitzpatrick could miss the start of the new Super League season after being sent off in the Reds' 36-0 win over Widnes yesterday.

The Ireland international was both hero and villain, scoring two tries in his side's final pre-season friendly before receiving a red card from referee James Child for punching Vikings hooker Tommy Coyle. Fitzpatrick will have to face a disciplinary hearing tomorrow knowing any suspension would rule him out of Salford's opening game against Hull KR on February 7.

Two tries from new signing Michael Coady helped Leeds to a 30-22 win over Whitehaven in their final pre-season trial game at the Recreation Ground.

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Forward Ian Kirke marked his return from injury with a try as a virtual Rhinos reserve side came from 12-0 down to secure victory.

A brace of tries from new signing Matt Cook, the former Bradford forward, was not enough to prevent Hull KR going down

34-22 to Featherstone Rovers.

A try from winger Nicky Stanton, converted by new signing Mick Nanyn, four minutes from the end helped Leigh to a 16-14 win over a reserve Wigan side at Leigh Sports Village.

Hull FC made sure of a 46-18 win in their second pre-season friendly with a strong first-half performance against Championship club Sheffield Eagles.

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The back and whites scored their first try from Ewan Dowes after only a minute of the game at Don Valley Stadium.

Mark Calderwood, Willie Manu, Reece Lyne and a double for Kirk Yeaman, returning after a long injury lay-off, plus five goals from Danny Tickle gave the visitors a 34-0 interval lead.

The game was the testimonial for Eagles prop Jack Howieson attracting a crowd of 1,401.

The Eagles came back in the second half to out score Hull by three tries to two.

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The tries came from Craig Cook, Jason Mossop and Corey Hanson with two goals from John Coleman and a conversion by Howieson.

Dowes and Richard Whiting added tries for Hull with Whiting kicking two goals.

In the GMB Union Hull & District Premier League, Paul King's Parkers team got back to winning ways beating East Hull Dragons 36-16.

West Hull Lions continue their push for the league title with a hard-earned 24-18 win over Orchard Park Greenwood. They had a 12-10 half time lead and just kept in front right through.

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West's points came from Luke Birnie (2), Glynn Jones, Andy Carroll and Mark Waller, Pete Grayburn adding two goals.

OPG's points came from Darren Jones (2), Rich Sidwell and Jamie McFadden, Jamie Hutchinson kicking a goal.

Myton A lost 12-4 loss to Dockers A, finishing with an unconverted try to Gareth Elliott, Paul Taylor with a brace for Dockers.