Barrow Raiders winger Tee Ritson has the chance to pursue his Super League ambitions with a season-long loan move to St Helens.
There is the option of a permanent move for the 2024 season if everything works out for the Maryport speedster.
In a remarkable spell with the Raiders Ritson scored 70 tries in 73 games having joined from Newcastle Thunder in 2018.
He also played a key role in the club’s promotion from Betfred League 1, scoring an incredible 22 tries in 15 games, before taking the Betfred Championship by storm in 2022.
Flimby-born Ritson, a schools sprint champion attracted interest from both Salford and Widnes as a youngster before he made his pro debut for Workington Town in 2014.
Talking to the Barrow Raiders website Ritson said it was an absolute dream come true for him personally si sign for the Saints.
He said: “It’s been an ambition of mine to play at the top level and now I’ve got the chance to do that.
“I think that being at a club like Saints, with the wealth of knowledge there and experience of all their players, I’m only going to grow and improve.
“I know I’m far from the finished product, but being in their environment is only going to benefit me as a player. Hopefully I can really put my name out there.
“There was a bit of interest from other clubs, but as soon as a team like St Helens came knocking, I had my eyes set on them.
“It was a no-brainer for me personally, I was absolutely overwhelmed.
“It also gives you a lot of confidence because a team of that calibre has shown that confidence in you as well. It took a while to sink in, but pre-season is only around the corner now, and I’ve had a lot of time to think about it.
“I’ve been training on my own and trying to keep myself fit in the off-season.
“That overwhelming feeling has changed into excitement now, and I’m really buzzing to get started. It doesn’t matter which team I’m at, I will always put 100% effort in.
“It’s going to be no different, especially at a team like St Helens. They’ve given me this opportunity now, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“It’s something I couldn’t turn down and something I will forever be grateful for and I want to make sure that I’m really paying the club back with my performances on the pitch.
“But not only that, I want to be a good role model for the club as well, around the place and off the field. I’m going to do my absolute best to try and repay the club back and make them confident that their faith in me was well-placed.
“I’ll forever be grateful for Barrow. I’ve said it to a couple of guys in the past, that Barrow has a special place in my heart.It’s the best club I’ve been involved in so far in my career – I’m not afraid to say that.
“The club has given me a lot. They treated me well when I came, but not just the club, the town as well. All the fans, the people, they’ve been so welcoming.
“It’s all given me confidence in myself and given me the ability to shine on the field.
“I can’t thank the club enough. They’ve done a lot for me, so I hope I’ve repaid them with my performances on the field. I hope I’ve made the fans proud.
“But this opportunity comes around once in a lifetime, and if a team like Saints comes knocking, I’ve got to do it for myself.
“I hope that I can still make the Barrow people proud when I’m playing for Saints.”
