Coach John Dixon insists Celtic Crusaders will recover from a nightmare week that saw six players leave due to visa problems and a 68-0 loss to Leeds.

"It was a sad week for us, we lost six players who have been an integral part of the club," he said after the side's first match at Newport's Rodney Parade.

"[After the player departures] I didn't like the score [against Leeds].

"The club's going to thrive because [of the help of the six players]... the sad part is they won't be part of it."

Crusaders captain Jace van Dijk, top try-scorer Tony Duggan and star player Damien Quinn are to be deported along with Darren Mapp, Mark Dalle Cort and Josh Hannay after immigration officials ruled they breached visa regulations.

"[The six players] did a wonderful job in laying down the foundations for rugby league in Wales and for us as a club," said Dixon.

Their enforced absence from the team contributed to the Crusaders having to field a young, weakened side against Super League leaders Leeds in Newport.

"[There was an] investment in the future here and sincere thanks to the crowd who understood the situation," Dixon told BBC Sport Wales.

We've grown fantastically as a club... maybe too fast John Dixon

"[The crowd's reaction was] really heart-warming for the players and appreciated by the club.

"We've grown fantastically as a club... maybe too fast.

"We had wonderful success at National League Two and National League One level.

"Maybe there was a belief here that we could just come in and be successful again at Super League level in our first year - [that's a] bit tough.

We've found week-in, week-out that the challenges are greater than anticipated John Dixon

"This is an elite competition... [Leeds are an] elite footie team.

"We've found week-in, week-out that the challenges are greater than anticipated.

"But this is year one, a stepping stone, we must learn and grow from this."

Australian Dixon said he was happy at the Welsh club, but stopped short of giving a firm assurance that he would be with them at their new Rodney Parade home next season.

"There'll be some changes next year for sure, some forced rather than considered," he said.

"The foundations for the club [are set] and now there's no doubt it'll move.

"I'm enjoying my life here... There's no job with less secure of tenure than coaching."

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