WARRRIORS centre Pat Hanslow has earned a contract with engage Super League side Celtic Crusaders to play in their Academy side in the Valvoline Academy Championship.

Hanslow, who has also spent time with Harlequins Rugby League Club spent much of the summer trialling with the Wrexham-based outfit before securing the deal.

"We are made up for Pat," said Warriors chairman Dan Garbutt. "He’s worked very hard, made some sacrifices and deserves it.

"Hopefully, he’ll be the first of many as there are a number of guys with us who, with some hard work and application are capable of achieving exactly the same."

Since making his debut for the Warriors as a substitute in the 28-16 win at Telford Raiders in 2009, Hanslow has played ten times for the club.

Hanslow takes his place in a Crusaders squad that will tackle Huddersfield Giants, Hull FC, Salford City Reds and Catalans Dragons in their group of the competition, which will last until September.

Hanslow joins another former Warrior in Welsh international Jordan James at the Racecourse Ground. James played for the club during their first season in the Rugby League Conference in 1998.

The Crusaders are coached by former Great Britain, Wigan and Bradford coach Brian Noble and sit just outside the play-off places in the engage Super League.