Barrow Raiders will give a debut to centre Matty Costello against Workington Town in the Betfred Championship Cumbrian derby.
The 24-year-old Costello has joined the Raiders on loan from Salford Red Devils where he has scored seven tries in 18 Super League appearances.
Greater Manchester-born Costello first played Super League in 2018 for St Helens before going out on loan to Sheffield where he went on to pick up the Championship Young Player of the Year award after an impressive season with the Eagles.
In seasons 2019 and 2020 Matty was a squad player for St Helens as the club went on to win back-to-back Super League Grand finals. He played 28 times in total for the Saints before joining Salford for the 2021 season.
Like their Cumbrian neighbours, Sunday’s opponents Workington and Whitehaven, Barrow have been hit by injuries this season demonstrating just how tough a competition the Championship can be.
Making returns to the 21-strong Barrow squad following injury absences are Gary Wheeler and Shane Toal.
Raiders coach Paul Crarey said: “We have prepared well for this one, but I know Workington will have done the same.
“I know they are bottom without a point but they haven’t been playing like a team who haven’t won a game. I’ve seen all their games and they have some good players and have been so unlucky in some of their recent games.
“Even though we’ve played the three top sides in the League recently I’m expecting a tough game tomorrow. We have a great deal of respect for Workington and we are all looking forward to the challenge they will present.”
The Barrow squad is: Brooks, B. Carter, J. Carter, Costello, Crellin, Cresswell, Emslie, Eseh, Forster, Gillam, Hopkins, Iaria, Johnston, Morrow, Mossop, Ritson, Stack, D. Toal, S. Toal, Wheeler, Wood.
