Last updated at 15:13, Wednesday, 11 November 2009

BARROW Raiders’ title-winning season has seen five players named in Rugby League World’s Championship Team of the Season.

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And, for good measure, coach Dave Clark, voted the Championship Coach of the Year in September, has won the same accolade with the much-respected magazine.

Andy Ellis – also named as overall player-of-the-year for the Championship, again echoing his success in the league’s awards – Gary Broadbent, James Nixon, Liam Harrison and Zeb Luisi are the quintet named in the squad.

Clark, now working as assistant to new Craven Park boss Steve McCormack, rounds out the Raiders presence in the team-of-the-year and said he was over the moon he and his players have received the accolades.

“It’s always great to be recognised by the awards,” said the coach who led Barrow to Championship Grand Final glory, the top of the league standings and the Northern Rail Cup final.

“It’s great for the club and the players to be recognised and it’s fantastic to see what we have all achieved this year is continuing.”

Of the five players named in the team-of-the-year, all but Broadbent were named in the Championship All Stars team at the end of the season.

His omission came as a huge surprise to many Barrow fans and Clark felt the veteran full-back – currently on holiday and due to discuss his future with the club upon his return – fully deserved his inclusion this time round.

“It’s a great achievement for Gary, he’s had a fantastic year,” added Clark.

“He is a true professional both on and off the field and I thought he deserved to get in the All Star team.

“He must be the best full-back outside Super League and I think he has shown that in his performances.

“He hasn’t signed yet for next year, but I hope he does.”

Both of Barrow’s deadly left-flank pair, the country’s top try-scorer Nixon and centre Harrison, have also earned their place, while Luisi is named as loose forward after a successful switch midway through the season. Ellis is the league side’s hooker and also player-of-the-year, adding to his raft of accolades and again earning more praise from Clark.

The coach added: “It’s another great achievement for him. He’s had a great couple of years at Barrow and his performances have been recognised all through rugby league.”

Raiders forward Ned Catic just missed out in getting a second row berth, being listed fourth behind Gateshead’s Michael Knowles, a rumoured Barrow target, Dave Larder (Halifax) and Richard Fletcher (Widnes).

Andrew Henderson, who last week signed for the Raiders from Gateshead, was listed third among the hookers.

• The Raiders Bar will be open from 7pm on Saturday to show the Gillette Four Nations Final between England and Australia (7.30pm kick-off).

First published at 13:12, Monday, 09 November 2009
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk