Shifty may link up with Thomas who also switched codes

[cables]

Crusaders target another rugby union player in Clinton Schifcofske
• Welsh club want Aussie for Friday's match against Catalans
• May link up with Gareth Thomas who also switched codes

Gareth Thomas may not be the only ageing convert from rugby union making his debut for the Crusaders in their game against the Catalans Dragons on Friday night. The Welsh club are also hoping to complete a deal for Clinton Schifcofske, a 34-year-old goalkicking full-back who made two State of Origin appearances before switching codes, first with Queensland and more recently with Ulster in the Magners League.

"We have been talking with his agent for a while but he is quite sought after," said Paul Retout, the Crusaders chief executive. "If we can do a deal he would come here quickly, and he could play on Friday. It's becoming a bit of a trend for us, signing players from rugby union."

The Crusaders coach, Brian Noble, recruited Michael Witt and Vince Mellars from Super 14 franchises in New Zealand before the start of the season and has also been linked with the Wales back-rower Andy Powell, who now shares an agent with Thomas.

Retout is confident that Thomas's first appearance since his move north from Cardiff will at least double the 3,000 crowd the Crusaders had been expecting for the visit of the Catalans, who are thought to have made a late bid for Schifcofske following the loss of their Australian full‑back Clint Greenshields for at least three months with a broken leg. Australian reports claim that the Crusaders have also signed Jarrod Sammut, a 23-year-old utility player from the Penrith Panthers.

[Ardglass2]

Surely some mistake its says GOALKICKING full back

[MightyRearranger]

It makes sense for him to go. Still think he's probably our best full back at the minute, but with Smyth being prefered and Bryn coming back from injury it's doubtful he'd get much/any game time with us. Might save us a bit of a money too with the salary he'll be on. Good luck to him if he does go. His goal kicking never lived up to expectations, but he was always solid enough at full back for us.

[Freddie Benson]

Suggestions last Friday from some in the know were that Shifty was out for the season with shoulder injuries.

[ColinM]

Suggestions last Friday from some in the know were that Shifty was out for the season with shoulder injuries.

Heard that too FB.

Is the Crusaders trying to assemble the worlds oldest rugby league team?

[WhiteKnightoftheWeld]

Is the Crusaders trying to assemble the worlds oldest rugby league team?

Are the Crusaders...


trying to inject some experience and a winning mentality into the team:

Clint has played state of origin which many NSW/QL aussies regard as higher than international level (bit like yorkshiremen playing county cricket)

Thomas has captained Wales, won plenty - albeit under a different code of rugby.

they were a bit overawed last season and the move to Wrexham seems to suit them. lost to Leeds in the season opener (heavy scoreline didn't do them justice it was level with 10 to go) and they've gone on to win 2 games already this season

keep getting linked with welsh rugby union players - there was talk of henson, now powell and thomas has already signed! taking down the taffs from within, i like it!

[AndyB]

If it's true then I have to say he would be no great loss. Struggling to remember a game that he was outstanding in for us. His kciking turned out to be very disappointing.

[for dog and ulcer]

If it's true then I have to say he would be no great loss. Struggling to remember a game that he was outstanding in for us. His kciking turned out to be very disappointing.

Totally agree- a very poor signing and a huge disappointment.

[WhiteKnightoftheWeld]

any update on this?
if he wants to play on friday night, all parties involved would need to get a crack on

[Tevez]

He's injured.....and as I understand it won't play again this (union) season....

[WhiteKnightoftheWeld]

He's injured.....and as I understand it won't play again this (union) season....

Crusaders target another rugby union player in Clinton Schifcofske
• Welsh club want Aussie for Friday's match against Catalans

...

"We have been talking with his agent for a while but he is quite sought after," said Paul Retout, the Crusaders chief executive. "If we can do a deal he would come here quickly, and he could play on Friday. It's becoming a bit of a trend for us, signing players from rugby union."

if he's not fit for Ulster due to a shoulder injury he's not fit for superleague.
however - i haven't heard anything other than the usual rumour mill here suggesting he is injured. non-starting could be due to any number of reasons - an indication he wanted away, fall-out with coaches - a lot of potentials other than fitness.

the statement above suggests he is fit and ready to play and the only hindrance to him playing super league this season is contractural - ie "if we can get him signed, he'll be playing for us ASAP".

[TheElephantMan]

Good luck Shifty best wishes............thanks for being a part of our beloved Ulster.

[hound]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 599019.stm

[WhiteKnightoftheWeld]

a sport which thomas described as doing shuttle runs into brick walls...

hope that shoulder's not really injured - they like to use their shoulders for tackling in league...

wonder will he be kicking at all?

[Ulster throw in]

Good luck Shifty best wishes............thanks for being a part of our beloved Ulster.

And getting shafted by us!