Crusaders snap up Australian duo

Youngquest has spent the past two years with European clubs

Crusaders have announced the first two of a host of expected overseas signings for Super League XV.

Australian Nick Youngquest has joined from Gateshead Thunder while fellow countryman Frank Winterstein arrives from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

Youngquest, 26, is a specialist full-back while his new team-mate, 23, operates as a second-row forward.

"They are adapting well to life within the Crusaders 2010 system," said a spokesman for the Wrexham-based club.

"It will be exciting for all when they wear the Crusaders strip for the very first time."

Youngquest has had spells with French side Pia and Gateshead in the last two years.

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He previously played in Australia's NRL for teams including Canterbury Bulldogs, Penrith and Cronulla.

Winterstein was with the Bulldogs in the NRL before joining the Wildcats for 2009, but a broken jaw restricted his number of appearances for the Wakefield side.

Although born and raised in Australia, Winterstein is dual-qualified and is a full Samoan international and represented them in the 2008 World Cup qualifiers.

The pair join former Hull hooker Tommy Lee, 21, in the squad of Crusaders head coach Brian Noble.

As a developing club, the Crusaders will be allowed to sign up to 14 overseas players for 2010.