Talented forward Ellis Gillam has signed a new one-year deal which will keep him at Barrow Raiders until the end of the 2023 season.
Gillam, 25, joined the club from local rivals Whitehaven ahead of the Raiders’ return to the Betfred Championship this season.
Originally arriving as a back-rower, he has developed into a no-nonsense prop forward under the guidance of head coach Paul Crarey and has prospered within the Raiders pack throughout the 2022 campaign.
Gillam recently made his 100th career appearance in the Raiders’ victory over London Broncos on the final day of the regular season.
After re-signing he said: “I’m very excited to be staying for another year and getting the chance to represent my hometown club. It was an easy decision after the season we’ve all had.
“The aim now is to sustain this level of performance, finish in the play-offs again next season and to continue maintaining the high standards we have set.
“We want to be a top Championship team, and it’s where this club belongs.
“The decision to stay was easy, with it being the club I grew up loving to watch, to now competing at the top of the championship. As a player, it’s where you want to be.
“With a great coach in Cresta, and a board with big goals to take the club forward in the right direction, I’m hugely excited for the future.”
Gillam made his competitive debut for the club in our the first game of the season, a 22-10 win over Sheffield Eagles and he has gone on to establish himself as an ever-present with 31 appearances in all competitions and he has scored four tries.
Barrow Raiders chairman Steve Neale said: “We are delighted to re-sign Ellis. He has been one of our most consistent performers this season and seems to be relishing his positional move to prop forward.
“His attitude is first class and this has translated to his employment, where he is a vital member of the community team. Hopefully he remains at the club for many years to come.”
Director of rugby Andy Gaffney added: “Ellis has been a stand-out player for us this year and has always performed on the pitch. He is a fearless player and has a very high work rate.
“Ellis is a very popular player at the club and has really made a name for himself , both on the pitch and in his community role for the club we’re he is very popular. We hope he will be a Barrow Raiders player for years to come.”
