Barrow Raiders forward Charlie Emslie has signed a new two-year deal, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2024 season.
Emslie has been with the Raiders since the age of 16 and signed his first professional deal ahead of the 2021 season.
He has gone on to make 27 appearances in all competitions, and has been crowned the club’s Young Player of the Year in consecutive seasons.
On signing a new deal, Emslie said: “The past two years that I have been at Barrow have been great, and I’ve loved every minute.
“The club is on the rise and I’m privileged to be a part of it.”
Emslie’s form at club level also saw him called up to the Scotland squad for the Rugby League World Cup alongside team-mate Shane Toal.
He scored a solitary try in 2022, away at London Broncos in the final round of the regular season, as the club secured a play-off spot to cap off a memorable return on the Betfred Championship.
On the new deal, Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey said: “Charlie is very dogged and we’re building on his skills and his passing, but he’s a great kid.
“He comes with a real purpose and a really vibrant attitude, and it’s great to see.”
Chairman Steve Neale said: “Over the last two seasons, Charlie has developed into one of the best young players at our club.
“Through hard work and commitment, he has forged his place in the squad and also secured international honours with Scotland.
“He has the potential to really kick on and develop into a top-class forward, and the fact that he wants to do that here shows what a positive environment we’re trying to create.”
Director of rugby Andy Gaffney added: “It’s great to have Charlie on board. He is improving every year and has a long, bright future playing for the Raiders.
“He has a great attitude on and off the pitch, and is a very popular member of the squad in the changing rooms.”
The Raiders have also confirmed that Gary Wheeler has left the club following the expiry of his contract.
Wheeler, 33, first joined the club midway through the 20021 season and helped the Raiders secure promotion to the Betfred Championship.
In total, he featured 11 times for the club, scoring twice. Nine of those appearances came during the 2022 campaign.
Discussing his departure, Barrow Raiders chairman Neale said: “During his time at the club, Gary has been a model professional and set a real example to the younger members of the squad.
“Injuries are part and parcel of the sport, and for that reason he has never been able to fully hit the heights that we’d hoped he could achieve at the club.
“He is a supremely talented player, and wherever he ends up, we wish him the very best of luck.”
