Senior Fury over Crusaders’ withdrawal from Super League

The 35-year-old had signed a two-year contract with the Welsh outfit after 12 years with Leeds Rhinos.

The veteran, whose current season has been ended by a knee injury, now faces an uncertain future after it was announced this morning Crusaders had withdrawn their Super League licence application.

Senior tweeted: “Crusaders have just f***** me over what a b*****d joke, excuse my language I’m absolutely furious.”

Senior’s outburst reflects the surprise with which this morning’s announcement by the RFL has taken the whole sport.

Wrexham-based Crusaders have had a difficult three years in Super League but were widely expected to be retained in the competition at the expense of Wakefield.

The RFL say they were informed only last night of Crusaders’ withdrawal, just before they themselves were to decide which 13 clubs would join Widnes in the 14-team top division for 2012-14.

As well as signing Senior, Crusaders had also tied Wales rugby union legend Gareth Thomas to a new contract.

Crusaders chief executive Rod Findlay said: “This has not been an easy decision but after a lengthy and exhaustive examination of the club’s finances, our view is that Crusaders is not sustainable as a Super League club at this stage.”

The development will also raise question marks over the futures of other notable players such as Michael Witt and Jarrod Sammut, as well as coach Iestyn Harris.