THE Celtic Crusaders are finalising a deal to reunite former Wigan coach Brian Noble with his old Great Britain assistant Jon Sharp at the Welsh club next season.

The Crusaders are poised to confirm one of the sport's worst-kept secrets with the appointment of Noble as successor to Australian John Dixon, who parted company with the club after they finished bottom of the table in their first season in Super League.

Noble, who has been replaced at Wigan by Australian Michael Maguire, is expected to take up a director of rugby role at the Crusaders, with former Huddersfield boss Sharp becoming first-team coach.

The pair worked together with Great Britain for three years from 2004 to 2006 and will bring a wealth of experience to the fledgling Super League club, who are moving from Bridgend to Newport from next season.

Abi Ekoku, who was Great Britain manager during Noble's time with the national team, has been acting as advisor to Sharp, who is immediately available after being released early from his role as football manager at Hull last month.

Ekoku said: "Subject to details being ironed out, Brian and Jon will be working together as a pairing at the Crusaders.

"That combined experience is exceptional and I think it's a good statement of intent by the club.

"Brian's record speaks for itself and people seem to forget that Sharpy had five very good years at Huddersfield.

"I'm genuinely excited about the prospects for Celtic Crusaders. It's going to be a tough year next year because they are having to recruit very late in the year but they both have good networks and contacts in the game.’’ Former dual-code international Iestyn Harris continues to be linked with a coaching role at the Crusaders, although he has 12 months left on his contract as a player with Featherstone Rovers.