Barrow Raiders could lose two of their top players for the 2023 season – with one of them already confirmed by the club.
Centre Hakim Miloudi has already been confirmed as leaving at the end of the current campaign while there is increasing speculation that Jarrod Sammut will be following him out the door.
The club say that they are parting with Miloudi on the best of terms, but he is considering offers nearer to home, with his young family the influencing factor.
A club spokesman said: “Hakim initially joined the club to help with our promotion push from Betfred League 1 in 2021.
“He has since played a leading role in the club’s successful return to the second tier, scoring seven times in 18 appearances.
“Despite missing part of the season through suspension, Miloudi has done plenty in his time on the field to excite the supporters, and his potent partnership with winger Tee Ritson has been a particular highlight as the Raiders did enough to secure a play-off spot.
“We are hoping that Sunday’s fixture against Dewsbury Rams isn’t his last on home soil, but if that proves to be the case it is hoped that our supporters are able to give him the send-off he deserves.
“Of course, everyone at the club is determined to be victorious in our last two league games, which should ensure another chance to say goodbye in a home elimination play-off tie.
“We wish Hakim well in his future career, and the door is always open for a possible return further down the line.
“Whilst this leaves a gap in the squad, the club are already in advanced talks with a potential replacement and hope to announce some exciting news sooner rather than later.”
Meanwhile there is mounting speculation that the much-travelled Maltese international Sammut is looking for a new club in 2023 to continue his nomadic career.
Sammut has often moved on after two seasons with spells at Crusaders, Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Trinity.
He has also played at Featherstone, Workington Town, London Broncos and Wigan but rugby league whispers suggest the 35-year-old has itchy feet again after a starring stint for the Raiders.
