Head of performance Anthony Seibold has admitted Celtic Crusaders' loss of six top foreign players because of visa issues 'has hit the club like a brick'.
And Seibold also conceded that the young Welsh-born players due to step in for deported stars Tony Duggan, Jace van Dijk, Damien Quinn, Darren Mapp, Mark Dalle Cort and Josh Hannay 'are not quite ready for Super League yet'.
Nevertheless, the club have said the future is 'very bright' and refuted suggestions that the on- and off-field problems dogging them do not vindicate the critics of the controversial decision to award Crusaders a Super League licence.
'There's been much speculation and innuendo regarding Celtic Crusaders and the future of the club, but you can take it from me that the future is bright,' said Seibold.
'Obviously we're going through some tough times on and off the field right now.
'We're like any other business, the credit crunch is on and we've faced a whole heap of challenges.
'Hopefully we're now at a position where we're coming out the other side and it's full steam ahead for us for the remainder of the season and beyond.
'I do want to make it clear that our position in Super League is not under threat nor is the extinction of the club as has been reported elsewhere. Super League is here to stay in Wales.'
Crusaders have been given a timely boost by the news that an agreement with rugby union side Scarlets has been completed to allow them to share the Rodney Parade ground while the Brewery Field is being redeveloped.
But the current focus - at least for the remaining three games of the Crusaders' season - will be on their team selection issues.
'The news from the UK Border Agency this week has hit the club like a brick,' Seibold said.
'Those six players have been terrific servants for the Celtic Crusaders for the past three to four years.
'Tony Duggan, Jace Van Dijk and Damien Quinn were here from the first training session and were teaching Welsh rugby union players how to play the ball, so it’s been an emotional few days for us all.
'We just want to reflect and look back on the commitment and professionalism all six brought to the club and thank them and their partners for their efforts.'
The performance director said the issues with the player visas had stemmed from their employment in 2006 and 2007 rather than any errors made when applying at the beginning of this year.
But it still leaves the Welsh side painfully short of options ahead of their final two Super League matches - especially coming off the back of Saturday night's thrashing at the hands of reigning champions Leeds Rhinos.
'We know that it's going to be a massive challenge for us with our long injury list as well as the six boys who have to go back to Australia,' he continued.
'But again there are some players who are now having the chance from our reserves and academy and we have to make sure that they learn over the next three weeks and try and make it a positive environment for them.
'But they'll be part of a stronger squad next year.'
Celtic Crusaders remaining two games are against Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers - both of whom are likely to be involved in the end-of-season playoff picture.
And Seibold also conceded that the young Welsh-born players due to step in for deported stars Tony Duggan, Jace van Dijk, Damien Quinn, Darren Mapp, Mark Dalle Cort and Josh Hannay 'are not quite ready for Super League yet'.
Nevertheless, the club have said the future is 'very bright' and refuted suggestions that the on- and off-field problems dogging them do not vindicate the critics of the controversial decision to award Crusaders a Super League licence.
'There's been much speculation and innuendo regarding Celtic Crusaders and the future of the club, but you can take it from me that the future is bright,' said Seibold.
'Obviously we're going through some tough times on and off the field right now.
'We're like any other business, the credit crunch is on and we've faced a whole heap of challenges.
'Hopefully we're now at a position where we're coming out the other side and it's full steam ahead for us for the remainder of the season and beyond.
'I do want to make it clear that our position in Super League is not under threat nor is the extinction of the club as has been reported elsewhere. Super League is here to stay in Wales.'
Crusaders have been given a timely boost by the news that an agreement with rugby union side Scarlets has been completed to allow them to share the Rodney Parade ground while the Brewery Field is being redeveloped.
But the current focus - at least for the remaining three games of the Crusaders' season - will be on their team selection issues.
'The news from the UK Border Agency this week has hit the club like a brick,' Seibold said.
'Those six players have been terrific servants for the Celtic Crusaders for the past three to four years.
'Tony Duggan, Jace Van Dijk and Damien Quinn were here from the first training session and were teaching Welsh rugby union players how to play the ball, so it’s been an emotional few days for us all.
'We just want to reflect and look back on the commitment and professionalism all six brought to the club and thank them and their partners for their efforts.'
The performance director said the issues with the player visas had stemmed from their employment in 2006 and 2007 rather than any errors made when applying at the beginning of this year.
But it still leaves the Welsh side painfully short of options ahead of their final two Super League matches - especially coming off the back of Saturday night's thrashing at the hands of reigning champions Leeds Rhinos.
'We know that it's going to be a massive challenge for us with our long injury list as well as the six boys who have to go back to Australia,' he continued.
'But again there are some players who are now having the chance from our reserves and academy and we have to make sure that they learn over the next three weeks and try and make it a positive environment for them.
'But they'll be part of a stronger squad next year.'
Celtic Crusaders remaining two games are against Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers - both of whom are likely to be involved in the end-of-season playoff picture.
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