NEW Celtic Crusaders coach Brian Noble could turn to rugby union in his efforts to transform the fortunes of the Welsh Super League club.

The former Wigan and Great Britain coach started work today on re-building the Crusaders, who finished bottom of the table in their first season of Super League after winning just three of their 27 matches.

With only 10 contracted players on the register, Noble admits he and his backroom staff - Jon Sharp and Iestyn Harris are the other newcomers - are faced with an enormous task to assemble a competitive side in time for the new season in February.

Noble's predecessor John Dixon made a conscious decision not to take the rugby union route but the new boss has not ruled out cross-code swoops in addition to further recruits from Australia.

"We used to attract players from South Wales through financial means, now we're going to have to manufacture some of our own and maybe get some players who are coming to the end of their rugby union careers,’’ he said.

"I think there is plenty of scope here for everybody. I've never been blinkered in the way I think in relation to what game people they. If they play American Football and they are good enough, you give them an opportunity.

"I don't think we're a threat in any way, shape or form to rugby union and I would hope that they would like to work with us, not necessarily just on the playing side.

"I think there is plenty of space in this part of the world for two successful rugby identities and both can help each other.’’ Although his reign at Wigan only came to an end 12 days ago, Noble had been linked with the Crusaders job for several months and he admits he has drawn up a list of transfer targets.

"We've approached certain people,’’ he said. "We've got quite a number of plates spinning and, should they drop our way, we'll be competitive.’’ The Crusaders' ability to recruit the most high-profile coaching team in Super League, allied to their move from Bridgend to Newport's Rodney Parade and plans to stage games in Wrexham, has been hailed by chief executive Mike Turner as "a brand new era for the club’’.

He now says the trio have two years to turn the wooden spoonists into Super League play-off contenders.

"We wanted to make a statement of intent to say we are serious about what we are trying to do,’’ he said.

"At the end of the two years, I'd like us to be a top-six team and in a position to offer the guys further three-year contracts.’’