Gareth Thomas was helped off injured as he was given a tough rugby league baptism on a wet night in Wrexham.

The Wales rugby union legend was just half-an-hour into his Engage Super League debut for Crusaders when he was hurt in a heavy Catalans Dragons tackle and forced to leave the field.

Until then the 35-year-old had barely made an impact in a dull encounter at the Racecourse Ground, but the Welsh side ultimately prevailed after tries from Jason Chan and Peter Lupton.

Initial word suggested Thomas, who had struggled to his feet and attempted to play the ball after the tackle, had suffered concussion but, although he did not return, he was not seriously injured.

The anticipated first appearance of Thomas, signed from Cardiff Blues earlier this month, contributed to a healthy crowd of 6,124 - more than double the figure that watched last season's corresponding fixture in Bridgend.

And those that had come to see the club's new marquee player were not initially disappointed as he was named on the right wing and not the bench by coach Brian Noble.

Unfortunately for all concerned in the Welsh camp, the dugout was where he was to spend the majority of the game after his involvement was ended prematurely.

Even before Thomas was forced to withdraw, his first appearance in the 13-man game had been a low-key one.

Despite the hosts dominating possession against a Dragons side low on confidence after five defeats in six, Thomas was unable to get into the game.

Much of that was down to Catalans' aggressive defence and their determination to at least make life uncomfortable for the hosts.

Crusaders tried to make the early running and gained good ground after David Ferriol was penalised for a late body check on Michael Witt.

Catalans held out on that occasion but continued to invite pressure and fell behind after eight minutes as Chan weaved his way through a static defence and then burrowed over the line.

Witt, after converting, then tried to create another for Thomas with a high kick but the new man was unable to catch under pressure.

The hosts then lost Rocky Trimarchi to injury and Thomas was to follow after coming infield to claim the ball.

Thomas struggled to regain his footing after running low into a challenge and was helped back to the bench.

Catalans were clearly trying to make up for what they lacked in creativity with power but one tackle by Jamal Fakir as Crusaders attacked was too late and too high.

Witt kicked the resulting penalty to put Crusaders 8-0 ahead at the interval.

Catalans cut the gap to just two points after the restart as Casey McGuire launched a high kick out wide and Olivier Elima rose high to claim a try which Gregory Mounis converted.

A comeback failed to materialise as Crusaders found another gear.

They responded with some good pressure and a chance opened up for Nick Youngquest out wide but the winger was unable to gather the slippery ball.

Pressure paid off as Lupton powered his way through a Dimitri Pelo tackle to touch down.

The video referee was asked to adjudicate on the grounding and gave Lupton the benefit of the doubt.

Crusaders almost had another moments later as Pelo lost the ball close to his in-goal area but McGuire just got a foot in to deny Frank Winterstein.