ANDY Gaffney believes Ryan Duffy has more than proven his worth to Barrow Raiders after earning a new contract with the club.

Duffy was confirmed on Monday evening as the fifth member of the current squad to have agreed a new deal for the 2019 Betfred Championship season, with the prop having proven particularly useful as an impact player off the interchange bench this year.

The 25-year-old had originally joined Barrow in 2017, but missed the entire year due to being sidelined following surgery on an ACL injury and then had to prove his fitness to earn a deal for this year.

But he came through that all to become an important part of the squad and Raiders rugby director Gaffney is in no doubt Duffy’s new contract is richly deserved.

“We stuck with Ryan and when we were first about to sign him, his agent phoned up and said he’d done his ACL, and asked if we’d still be willing to take him on,” said Gaffney.

“It was only a pay-as-you-play deal and we said he could see our physios, rehabilitate through that year and, as long as he got through his medical he’d get a contract, which is what happened.

“I think he’s proved himself this year to gain another contract. He’s very much a go-forward player and quick at playing the ball.

“He always finds his front, he’s very powerful and he’s a very skilful player, and we’re really glad to have him back on board for next year and with another good pre-season, he’ll be raring to go again.”

Those nights coming up to Barrow with the club’s other travelling players to work with the club’s medical staff and not being paid for it have all proven worthwhile for Duffy, who has chipped in with the odd try here and there as well this season.

Indeed, Gaffney feels former Warrington Wolves youth player Duffy’s willingness to go through all of that to earn himself a contract with the Raiders is indicative of the attitude he has shown on the pitch too.

“Ryan knew he’d only get paid if he played in that year of rehabilitation and that says something about him, that he’s willing to travel three times a week to training to rehabilitate and be part of things at Barrow,” said Gaffney.

“I think that’s what we’re seeing in his performances - he really wants to pay us back. But it works both ways; we wanted him to come up, but he still had to get on the bus, want to come up and put the time and dedication in to do that.

“That just shows what sort of drive he has in himself as well and that comes through on the pitch.”