Raynor follows Lee and Thackray and signs for Noble at Crusaders

Released by the Airlie Birds on Boxing Day, he is due to appear in court with partner Catriona Thompson in April on 14 counts of counterfeiting and fraud relating to the trading of ink cartridges on eBay and the copying of computer games.

Given those circumstances, it is understood Raynor, 31, has agreed a short-term deal but, depending on the trial's outcome, could extend it later.

While in charge of the international side, Crusaders coach Brian Noble handed Raynor all six of his Great Britain caps between 2005 and 2007 and hopes to see him reproduce that form for the Wrexham-based outfit.

Raynor – who had 12 months left on his deal at KC Stadium – missed most of last season with a foot injury but played the final 14 matches. He follows former Hull team-mates Tommy Lee and Jamie Thackray to north Wales.

He is in line to make his Crusaders debut against champions Leeds Rhinos in the competition's opener next Friday.

Halifax will face 11 members of St Helens' Grand Final team when they tackle the Super League club in Mike Bennett's testimonial match at Knowsley Road tonight.