Barrow Raiders hooker Josh Wood has signed a new two-year deal, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2026 season.
Wood first joined the Raiders in October 2021 and has gone on to feature 79 times, scoring seven tries.
Over the years, the 28-year-old has forged a reputation for his all-action style of play, bringing strong defence and equally direct attack around the ruck.
Of his 24 appearances this season, the former Salford and Wakefield man has started all but three of those games.
He has also been named in the halves for the last two matches in the absence of Ryan Johnston, scoring the decisive try during last week’s 31-24 win at Dewsbury.
After signing the deal Wood said: “It’s always good sorting a new contract out, especially one of this length. Now I can relax and just concentrate on my rugby.
“It was an easy decision to make, and I didn’t even consider going anywhere else. The club has been good to me and my family over the years, so it was a no-brainer.
“We’ve had a rollercoaster year with lots of ups and downs, so we just need to finish strongly now. The club have made some good signings for next year and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey said: “It’s fantastic news for the club that Josh has agreed a new deal. He has been nothing short of outstanding for us since joining.
“A model professional who sets the standard required to play at this level, he is feared by all opposition ball-carriers with his no-nonsense style.
“He has played the last few months carrying a number of injuries and also shown his versatility by playing in the halves over the last two weeks. As coaching staff, we could not ask any more of a player than what he gives us.
“We are lucky Josh enjoys it here, and the two-year deal is great news for all concerned.”
Director of rugby Andy Gaffney said: “Josh has proven time and again over the last three seasons why we worked so hard to bring him to the club.
“The manner of his performances don’t go unnoticed, and this new deal is testament to his importance for us, both on and off the field.
“Having a fit and happy Josh is without doubt a huge boost for any team at this level, and I am personally delighted that he wants to continue playing his rugby at the Raiders.”
The Raiders are back at home on Sunday in the Betfred Championship with a big game against Swinton Lions.
Both sides are too near the drop zone for comfort and a win is equally vital to them.
Paul Crarey’s men will be hoping to build upon their recent much-needed win at Dewsbury last week, and they know how important this one is.
The Raiders have a one-point advantage over the visitors in the table with 15 points to the Lions’ 14 and Whitehaven are also right behind on 14 points as well.
But there is very little room for error at this stage of the season with just six games remaining before the play-off ties at both ends of the spectrum.
Delaine-Gittens Bedward will miss this weekend’s action after picking up a one-match suspension that he incurred following the Halifax Panthers game recently.
Jamie Pye will also be absent due to concussion protocols taking precedence. Wigan Warriors loanee Ryan Brown returns to duties with his parent club.
In their absence, Max Clarke returns to the squad, as does half-back Ryan Johnston, who goes into contention for the first time since picking up an injury following the clash away at Doncaster last month.
The Raiders will also have the services of Leigh Leopards loanee Kavan Rothwell for Sunday.
The squad is: Max Anderson-Moore, Luke Broadbent, Andrew Bulman, Greg Burke, Brett Carter, Clarke, Luke Cresswell, Ellis Gillam, James Greenwood, Ryan Johnston, Kevan Rothwell, Ryan Shaw, Razor Silva, Aaron Smith, Jarrad Stack, Shane Toal, Brad Walker, Tom Walker, Tom Wilkinson, Josh Wood, Greg Worthington.
