‘FRUSTRATION’ is a word which could be used to sum up a whole multitude of things at Barrow Raiders throughout the 2018 season.

It is certainly a word which can apply to Declan Hulme’s year, which has been disrupted by a cyst in his knee which eventually required minor surgery to remove it.

Sitting on the sidelines for 10 weeks knowing there is nothing he can do to help his Raiders team-mates in their battle to retain their place in the Betfred Championship has been particularly testing for the 25-year-old.

But he has now come through that period and has been given the green light to resume playing - even though his comeback game against Swinton Lions is now slightly less pivotal for Barrow following yesterday’s decision to expand the division to 14 teams from 2019.

“I don’t like being injured, I like playing the game,” said Hulme. “Being injured is really frustrating, but we can go into this weekend’s game really positive.

“I’m back playing now and in the starting line-up, and we’re going into the game looking to win it. If we beat Swinton at home, it’s mission accomplished and we stay in the league.

“Potentially, we could have done better if we hadn’t had an injury-hit season, but the be all and end all is we’ll stay in the league and that’s where we want to be.”

There is still plenty riding on the match for the visitors though as the Lions need a win to ensure they do not have to go into the match with the loser of the League One play-off final to decide which side gets the final place in next year’s expanded Championship.

At present, Rochdale Hornets are facing that possibility as they sit bottom of the pile, albeit just two points behind Swinton.

Barrow know all about the threats possessed by Stuart Littler’s side though, having played out two 16-16 draws with them during the regular season and only snatching a share of the spoils through late penalty kicks from Jamie Dallimore on both occasions.

Head coach Paul Crarey will have to do without Bradd Crellin and Alec Susino for the match following injuries they picked up in last Sunday’s 32-12 defeat at Dewsbury Rams.

Arnaud Bartes was also due to undergo a concussion test today after being forced off with a head injury in the same, game, with Dewsbury’s Jode Sheriffe being handed a two-match ban by a disciplinary panel for the high tackle which caused it after referee Liam Staveley had only assessed it worthy of a yellow card.

Hulme’s return at centre is a huge boost for Crarey though and he is intent on utilising his defensive skill to tame the threat posed by Swinton three-quarter George Tyson.

“It’s a big plus Declan Hulme has put his hand up to play,” said Crarey.

“He’s a natural centre, so we’ll have him on the right side where there will be a threat from George Tyson and try to counter that and stop that threat.”

The defensive side is just one of the aspects of Hulme’s game which has come to the fore since he moved down the coast from Whitehaven for the start of the successful 2017 campaign.

He has provided a significant number of assists for the winger too - in particular the currently-injured Shane Toal - and it came as no surprise to see Hulme offered a new two-year contract.

That was agreed two weeks ago and a win in his comeback match would be the perfect way to celebrate that.

“I think it was an easy decision in the end,” said Hulme of his new Raiders deal. “I’ve got a really good relationship with the coach and he’s put a lot of faith in me, considering I’m injured at the moment.

“In the last two years I’ve really enjoyed playing for the club and it was a really easy decision to make.

“I’ll look to provide what I can to the club, which maybe they’ve been missing in the centre role over the past couple of weeks with players being injured.

“If can add to that and we can get the win then it will be mission accomplished - and signing a new contract will be a little bit sweeter.”

Hulme is one of a number of long-term absentees returning to the Barrow side, with Lewis Charnock already back from a shoulder injury and Tom Walker featuring last week after being away due to work.

And for his part, Hulme is just looking forward to playing again.

“I’ve not played for the last 10 weeks and it’s been a long, hard time trying to get myself sorted and get myself fit,” said Hulme.

“But now I’m raring to go and can’t wait for the game against Swinton.

“It’s a key game to come back to and not one to take lightly. It’s not going to be an easy one, but I can’t wait.”