Italian international Anton Iaria has joined Barrow Raiders for the 2022 Betfred Championship season.
The 25-year-old prop forward played for Penrith’s New South Wales Cup team in 2021 before the season was cut short due to the pandemic.
Before that played Queensland Cup rugby league for the East Tigers, who are a feeder club for Melbourne Storm.
Iaria has won four caps for Italy on the international stage, helping them qualify for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, and has joined Barrow on a one-year deal.
After signing Iaria said: “I’ve heard really good things from a couple of people, and I can’t wait to get over there now and get into it. I’m really excited.
“I spoke to Paul Crarey and Steve Neale, and immediately I just connected well with them.
“I had a good mate of mine that recommended the club. It looks like a great town and a club that’s on the up and wants to play finals footy. Hopefully I get to be a part of that and see how we go next season.
“It’s going to be good to test myself out and see what happens. In terms of goals, personally I want to have a good season and stay injury free. I want to play the best footy I can for Barrow.
“As for team goals, speaking with Steve and Paul, we definitely want to make the top six and play finals footy.”
On the new signing, head coach Paul Crarey said: “Anton comes highly recommended by fans’ favourite and former player, Alec Susino, who played with him at Penrith Panthers’ New South Wales Cup.
“He had a number of Championship clubs trying to secure his signature but chose Barrow.
“Looking at his clips, he has a similar style to Alex. He has a good bump and offload and good leg speed which promotes good post contact metres.
“He has a great engine and can defend well. He also comes from a good rugby league environment, a feeder club for Australia league champions, Penrith Panthers.
The club has offered its thanks to their Supporters Trust, who have paid for Iaria’s flight and accommodation to make the move possible for both the club and the forward.
