Raiders boss hails Warrington dual-reg duo
Last updated at 14:31, Thursday, 05 July 2012
RAIDERS boss Darren Holt has hailed the impact of dual-registration duo Bradley Brennan and Ryan Duffy.
The pair joined Barrow from Super League Warrington Wolves last month and have impressed in the three games they have played.
Prop Brennan has earned himself a regular starting berth, while second-rower Duffy has come off the bench to great effect.
Holt, who had resisted bringing in dual-registration players earlier in the season as he wanted to go with a locals-dominated squad, has been pleased with the roles played by the pair, who arrived during Barrow’s injury crisis.
He said: “It’s not that I wasn’t a convert in the first place – I have absolutely no problem with dual-registration players, if they fit the club ethos and they fit in, which these boys do.
“I have been honest, I am all about having a local squad and utilising that squad. If it wasn’t for the fact we were down to 14 fit players, then I probably wouldn’t have contemplated the dual-reg.
“I’m glad we did. Brad Brennan and Ryan Duffy have stepped up – Ryan Shaw has been with us a while now – the two big lads have come in, fitted into it okay and they seem to be enjoying it.
“Especially Brad Brennan. He has been playing outstanding for us – the last couple of games, he has been massive for us. I’m glad to see him on board.”
Holt has been critical of the way Raiders have used dual-registration players in past seasons, feeling the club have employed them too regularly.
This year, he has built a larger squad, meaning they were not necessary until the problems caused by the injury crisis which gripped Craven Park.
And he added: “In years gone by, the club has relied on bringing in dual-registration players to get a team on the pitch.
“I will never, ever get into that situation – the only reason we put the dual-registration players in was because, at the time, we couldn’t field a team.
“Going forward, again, if I have got a squad of 26 players, then we would have to have some injury crisis for us to consider it once more.
“That’s the plain fact, because I have faith in every single member of our squad and I would have no problem playing any of them.”
lBarrow’s Championship One game against Whitehaven on Thursday, July 19, will now kick off at 7pm. The match is being screened live by Premier Sports and the move is designed to avoid issues with floodlights.
l The Raiders Bar will be open tonight from 7.15pm to screen the Northern Rail Cup semi-final between Featherstone Rovers and Leigh Centurions on Premier Sports (7.30pm kick-off).
First published at 13:11, Thursday, 05 July 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Have your say
At least Holt has tried to explain his decision of bringing dual reg players in when he slated the previous coach and chairman for doing it.
Posted by Rooster on 5 July 2012 at 19:24