October 16, 2021 - 770 views
The latest addition to North Wales Crusaders’ squad for the 2022 campaign is winger Dec Kay.
After coming through the academy system at Super League club Warrington Wolves, Kay linked up with Rochdale Hornets, who were plying their trade in the Championship at the time.
The 24-year-old was a regular for the Hornets in 2017, 2018 and the early part of 2019, before he moved on loan to Oldham later that year and helped the club secure promotion from League 1.
On the back of a permanent move to Oldham, Kay’s 2020 campaign was cut short like everyone else because of the COVID-19 pandemic and he decided to take some time away from the sport in 2021.
But he is eager to get back on the pitch next term and has signed a deal to join North Wales.
Kay said: “I’m buzzing to get back going. I’ve played at both Championship and League 1 level so I’m hoping I can add a bit of experience.
“I know a lot of the lads here and I even went to school with quite a few of them.
“I’m hoping we can build on what we did last year and even go a step further.
“Toulouse have just been promoted to Super League, Catalans made the Super League Grand Final and both Crusaders and Coventry did brilliantly last year. It shows expansion definitely isn’t a bad thing.
“I stopped playing because I’d fallen out of love for the game a bit, but I found myself missing it and I’m itching to get going.
“My main is to get back enjoying it and you’ll often find that, when you’re enjoying yourself, the wins will come.
“Everyone I know who’s played at Crusaders has never had a bad word to say and it sounds like a great environment to be playing in.”
North Wales head coach Anthony Murray added: “He’s a good signing for us.mHe comes with a bit of experience and has been in some good systems.
“He’s had about 18 months out of the game and I’m sure he’ll come in looking to cement a place in the side.
“Enjoying your rugby is what it’s all about. If you’re not enjoying your rugby, you’re never going to see the best out of anyone.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to says Dec has a really good work ethic and is a good person.
“I’m sure he’ll fit into the environment we have here at Crusaders very well and I’m looking forward to seeing him play for us.”
