Barrow Raiders Ladies face a challenging step up to Super League rugby this season – but are gearing up well.
Highly respected Barrow-born coach Amanda Wilkinson has been discussing the squad and prospects with the club website.
The Raiders Ladies join a 12 team top division, playing in Group 2 of the competition alongside Leigh Miners, Bradford Bulls, Featherstone Rovers, Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves.
She said: “It is going to be a very challenging season. It’s a big step from Championship to Super League.
“But I believe we have planned well, and we’ll make sure the ladies are prepared and the best they can be for their first game.”
Wilkinson, who boasts a wide range of coaching experience on her CV, says she has thoroughly enjoyed her return to Cumbria so far.
She said: “It’s been great to get started, and I’m loving coaching at Craven Park. The ladies have really impressed me with their positive attitude and their desire and how they want to learn.
“Pre-season is always a tough time for players following the Christmas break, but we have not held back as coaches, we have hit the ground running. We are looking to keep the intensity and commitment throughout the cold months of January and February.
“I personally love pre-season. It’s a great opportunity to get to know the players and staff, and provides plenty of time to prepare for the season ahead.”
Discussing the playing group, she said: “The new players have soon blended amongst the squad.
“The Barrow Ladies squad consists of good people as well as good players, and the respect and camaraderie amongst old and new players has been spot on.
“I have been more than impressed with the new players; they are all individually different and bring something different to the squad, so I’m really enjoying working with them all.”
