The Cumbrian derby between Barrow and Whitehaven dominates the local rugby league scene on Good Friday.
Although sound-bites from the two camps suggest it is something of a love-in, there will be no love lost for 80 minutes out on the pitch.
Barrow coach Paul Crarey said: “Whitehaven have a very good coach in Jonty Gorley and I am big mates with him and the director of rugby Gary Charlton.
“Everyone knows how well they’ve done to compete and stay in the Championship with the financial problems they have, and there are some very good players in the squad.”
Whitehaven’s head coach Jonty Gorley countered: “Barrow have some quality players from the top end of the Championship and Super League and we know it’s going to be very tough.
“I believe they are very much in a false position and will be climbing the table before too long.”
Barrow go into the game next to bottom of the Championship on three points with Whitehaven one place and one point better off.
Both coaches have named their squads for the game with Crarey including three former Whitehaven players in his 21.
Gorley has made two changes from the squad which lost narrowly to Batley 10 days ago with Guy Graham and Dave Eccleston replacing Chris Taylor and Liam McAvoy.
Barrow squad: Luke Broadbent, Sam Brooks, Andrew Bulman, Greg Burke, Jake Carter, Rio Corkill, Luke Cresswell, Hanley Dawson, Charlie Emslie, Ben Evans, Ellis Gillam, Tom Hopkins, Anton Iaria, Ryan Johnston, Danny Langtree, Jarrod Sammut, Jarrad Stack, Shane Toal, Jack Wells, Josh Wood, Greg Worthington.
Whitehaven: Sam Freeman, Dave Eccleston, Curtis Teare, Karl Dixon, Alex Bishop, Tom Walker, Connor Holliday, Cachlan Lanskey, Dion Aiye, Jamie Doran, James Newton, Lasarusa Tabu, Guy Graham, Perry Singleton, Ryan King, Jake Bradley, Marcus O’Brien, Lucas Castle, Josh Rourke, Daniel Spencer-Tonks, Ross Ainley.
