
Half-back Ellis Archer has been granted an early release from his St Helens contract to join his hometown club Barrow.
The 18-year-old came through the ranks at St Helens, making his Super League debut last season.
Archer still had a year left to run on his contract with the Super League champions, but he has left early to head home to join the Betfred Championship club.
He said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be honest. I spent most of my life coming to the games, so to now be part of the squad is a privilege.
“I’ve always said that I wanted to represent my hometown club at some point in my career.
“There are probably three half-backs ahead of me at the moment, but it’s really exciting to learn from those guys, get little tips and try to improve my game.”
Archer will be competing for a spot in the halves alongside Jarrod Sammut, Ryan Johnston and Jake Carter at the Raiders.
He is one of a number of local players who have signed with the Cumbrian club for next season joining full-back Luke Broadbent and Rio-Osayomwanbo Corkhill.
Barrow chairman Steve Neale said: “We are delighted that Ellis has come on board having been released by St Helens.
“We have been monitoring his progress for some time and hope that he can take this opportunity with both hands.
“We want all the area’s best youngsters playing for Barrow, and Ellis now has the opportunity.
“He proved by breaking into the Saints team that he has no shortage of talent, but the challenge for him now is to prove his abilities week in, week out in Championship rugby.”
Born and raised in Barrow, Archer first featured for Saints’ scholarship team in 2019, before going on to play for their U19s, academy and reserves.
After four years of commuting to Merseyside to follow his professional rugby league dream, the 18-year-old’s hard work was rewarded last August when he made his Super League debut against Wakefield Trinity.
Director of rugby Andy Gaffney added: “Ellis Archer is another young local lad who has been pre-season training with us after being with St Helens as a junior.
“Still young enough for academy rugby, Ellis has shown a great attitude and willingness to learn and will continue his rugby education with us at Barrow.
“We all look forward to seeing his progress.”
Archer’s arrival, along with that of ex-Whitehaven winger Andrew Bulman will almost certainly complete Barrow’s squad building for the new season.