DAVID Cairns is hoping to see Furness Raiders’ new intake of young players make an impact when the College Rugby League season gets under way next Wednesday.

The Raiders host Salford Red Devils Rising Stars in a match which looks set to be played at Askam’s Fallowfield Park due to ongoing issues with the Craven Park floodlights.

Cairns, who has taken over from Darren Carter as head coach, had his players back training on Monday evening at Furness College and is looking for the newcomers to step up with several of the older members of the squad having moved on to open-age rugby.

“Numbers are good, there is plenty of enthusiasm and things are looking quite good,” said Cairns.

“We’re a little bit lacking at the top end which you really need at this level because there is a three-year age gap between some of these lads.

“Obviously, the more you have at the top end is quite an advantage because of size, strength and experience, and it can be quite intimidating for 16-year-olds playing against 18 or 19-year-olds.

“But there seem to be lads who want to have a go at it and there are quite a range of different positions as well, which is important.”

The Furness squad still has a strong contingent of players who were part of last season’s run to the Association of Colleges National Cup final though, as well as several who are playing open-age rugby for their clubs.

Cairns is keen to ensure the players keep their fitness up once the amateur summer season is over and will be providing them with plans to work on in their own time, along with trying to find time for a second weekly training session.

Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey has been helping Cairns and coach Dennis Porter too.

“Mine and Paul’s thoughts on rugby are similar and with it being youth, it’s also about development,” said Cairns. “The game-side and game-plan are important, but it’s more to do with development of skills.

“Sometimes we take them back a bit because we’re not sure where they are with their rugby and skills, especially the younger ones, so we put skill sessions to improve them.

“They’re not finished professionals. As young kids, they’re still developing those skills and my big thing is development.”