Noble outlines plans for squad

The Welsh club confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in rugby league on Wednesday when the 48-year-old former Wigan and Great Britain boss was unveiled at a press conference at the Celtic Manor Hotel.

"I see it as nearly a blank piece of paper," said Noble. "We need to be patient but we need to hit the ground running. We're behind the eight-ball in relation to recruitment."

Ex-Huddersfield coach Jon Sharp, who was assistant to Noble with Great Britain from 2004-05, will be first-team coach while Iestyn Harris, newly-appointed Wales national coach, is also joining a new-look backroom staff as assistant.

All three have signed two-year contracts with the Welsh club, who parted company with Australian John Dixon after the Crusaders finished bottom of the table at the end of their first season in Super League.

Noble, who left Wigan 11 days ago, admits the Crusaders coaching team are facing a big task and has drawn up a "shopping list" after inheriting a squad of around 10 contracted players.

"That is our top priority for the next few weeks but the final pieces of our team may not come together until January," he added. "We've certainly got enough contacts within the game and, should the plates that are spinning drop our way, we'll be competitive and that's all you can ask.

"We're at the back of the queue unfortunately but we'll cobble something together that is very competitive.

"Some of the players on the retained list are world-class players - people like Lincoln Withers and Mark Bryant have played at the highest level in the NRL - and there is absolute potential for bringing young players through."