Barrow Raiders are back in action tonight in the Championship with a home game against Newcastle Thunder.
One of the two full-time teams in the competition Thunder have improved out of all recognition this season and will be formidable opposition.
Two weeks ago the Raiders were forced to dig deep, coming from behind to win 22-20 with two late penalties and extend their winning run to six games.
Newcastle currently sit in second place with eight consecutive victories, a streak which began with a 37-22 win against Paul Crarey’s side.
Greg Richards returns to the line-up after serving a one-match suspension he incurred following the victory against Sheffield Eagles.
He is joined by young hooker Fin Dutton-Rosconie. The pair replace forwards Ellis Archer and Ryan Brown.
It could be a big occasion for Charlie Emslie who is in line to make his 100th career appearance should he feature.
Barrow: Bishop, Broadbent, Bullock, Bulman, Costello, Cresswell, Dutton-Rosconie, Emslie, Forber, Johnston, King, Knott, Makin, Richards, Robson, Singleton, Teare, Toal, B. Walker, T. Walker.
Meanwhile Barrow Raiders youngsters Stevie Watson, Trent Ruddy and Seth Woodend have joined North Wales Crusaders on short-term loan deals.
Watson appeared for North Wales last weekend, starting their 64-4 defeat at Salford RLFC.
Woodend, meanwhile, has already featured elsewhere on loan this season, scoring four tries in eight games for Whitehaven.
The trio have all signed professional terms with the Raiders – Watson and Ruddy earning deals ahead of the 2026 season, and Woodend 12 months prior.
