Player Reactions to Crusaders Application Withdrawal

Taken from: http://www.loverugbyleague.com/news_6014-crusaders-players-angry-at-withdrawal.html

Many Crusaders players have vented their anger on Twitter at the club's decision to withdrawl their Super League franchise bid for the next three years.

Players including Mark Bryant, Rhys Hanbury, Ben Flower, Jarrod Sammut, and newly signed for the 2012 season, Keith Senior, all made their feelings clear on the social network, some claiming that they didn't even know until the announcement was made this morning.

Mark Bryant (@markbryant81) - "The owners did not even have the backbone to come and speak to the players about why they withdrew their application... #gutless"

Rhys Hanbury (@rhyshanbury) - "I was thinking it was a bit weird signing my 3 yr deal on toilet paper #rubbish"

Ben Flower (@bennyflower) - "Can not believe what's happened to day. What a joke. No licence. No job. Need a club."

Jarrod Sammut (@Jarrod_Sammut) - "Wots the sentence worth these days for murder?? The ppl runin this club hav hell to pay! So gutted for the loyal n faithful cru fans!b. Need a club."

Keith Senior expressed his comments in a vocal way initially, although some tweets which were posted in the heat of the moment appear to have been removed.

Keith Senior (@KeithSenior4) - "Looks like I need to look for a job"

Players from other clubs have vocally expressed their opinion and shown their support for the Crusaders players, who ultimately are the ones that suffer from this decision.

Brett Hodgson (@BrettHodgson) - "Can't believe players weren't told of the application withdrawal.."

Shaun Lunt (@Shaun_Lunt) - "S**t news for the Crusaders boy.. Having there job taking away from them.. That's why the league should of be expanded...! All the best lads"

Paul Wood (@PaulWood_Wolves) "Hope all the crusaders players manage to sort something out, feel for them, shouldn't happen in professional sport"

Rhys Hansbury's line is hilarious!

The way the club have treated them is an absolute disgrace. I really hope they all manage to find new clubs. I'm not sure if legal action is applicable in this situation but wouldn't surprise me a if a few of them had a look at it.

The whole Crusaders franchise has been a shambles from the start - yet it had so much potential to build something really good in Wales. They've made rugby league in Wales look like a complete farce.

The RFL were supposed to be committed to growing the game in Wales but they've obviously failed miserably. Luckily the WRL will continue the good work they're doing by supporting the grass roots teams.

I hope they find new clubs but I also hope they don't all end up in SL as some of those players are 3rd or 4th rate.