Within hours of announcing he was leaving Whitehaven, Ryan King was unveiled by Barrow as a new signing for the 2025 season.
The 27-year-old Australian has signed a one-year deal with the club, having spent the best part of four seasons at neighbours Whitehaven.
He averaged just under a try every two games for Haven, crossing 35 times in 77 appearances.
This season, he has scored nine tries in 25 games, including two against his new employers in the 1895 Cup and first league meeting, which the Raiders won 18-12 and 23-22 respectively.
King has also appeared for Italy’s national team five times, most recently representing the Azzurri during the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.
This move has been made possible by the support of the recently-formed Blue and White Knights consortium, whose financial input has previously helped the club to secure the signing of Aaron Smith and Tom Walker.
On arriving at the Northern Competitions Stadium, King said: “I’m really excited to play for Barrow. Cresta [Paul Crarey] and Andy Gaffney [director of rugby] have been trying to get me to join for a while now, but I felt it was the right time to come now and I can’t wait.
“I know a few of the lads, and I’m good mates with Tom Walker and Andrew Bulman too, so the transition should be a lot easier than normal.
“I’m hoping to bring a bit of aggression and ball-playing to what is already a fantastic group of lads. Hopefully I can help the club get to where they need to be, pushing further up the table and challenging for the play-offs.”
Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey said: “It’s great news that we can announce the signing of Ryan King for next year.
“Ryan has not only been a stand-out player for Whitehaven, but also a stand-out player in the Championship as a whole.
“Despite Haven’s struggles, Ryan has continued to give his all for the cause. His commitment and performances are what encouraged us to get him on board for next year.
“He has played as a second-rower, in the middle and in the halves this year, and has been outstanding in all. It’s this versatility and his try-scoring that makes his signing so exciting.
“This signing couldn’t have been possible without the tremendous contribution from the Blue and White Knights. Their funding has so far brought us Aaron Smith, helped with the transfer fee for Tom Walker and now brought in King. We are most grateful for their continued support.”
Director of rugby Andy Gaffney said: “We are delighted to bring in someone of Ryan’s quality who can make a real contribution all across the pitch.
“At 27, he is entering the prime of his career, but we still feel that he can improve under the guidance of the coaching staff we have here.
“He’ll improve our group tenfold, and he’s exactly the kind of player we need as we head into next season.”
King had a brief spell with Halifax in the Championship before returning to Whitehaven where he has become a firm fans favourite.
On leaving he said: “I’ve decided to try something new next season. Thank you Whitehaven RL – board, sponsors, coaches, team mates and most importantly the fans for the support this season. I will always be a fan of Whitehaven RL and hold it close to my heart, it’s now my home.
“Hope to see you all down at the Rec for the last game of the season and a goodbye. Good luck for next season and the future.”
