Crusaders aiming to add Mason as Youngquest and Winterstein sign

Crusaders have confirmed their first two overseas signings for next season and hope Willie Mason could be the third. The relocated Welsh Super League club, who play their first game at Wrexham at the end of January, have recruited the Australian Nick Youngquest, who impressed at full-back for Gateshead in the Co-operative Championship this year.

He is joined by Frank Winterstein, Australian-born but a Samoan international, who played alongside Youngquest at the Canterbury Bulldogs. Winterstein joined Wakefield midway through last season, but was restricted to six substitute appearances by a broken jaw. The unlikely prospect of signing Mason, one of Australia's most recognisable players, would be a far bigger coup for Brian Noble and his club.

Mason's Australian club, the Sydney Roosters, have told him to find another club after losing patience with his off-field behaviour. Noble could also be interested in Gareth Raynor, the Great Britain winger who had his contract cancelled by Hull last week, but the player is unlikely to be available until after a court case involving fraud and counterfeiting charges in March.