TRIBUTES have flooded in for Mike Sanderson, a former Barrow Raiders forward who has died at the age of 83.

Sanderson was a one club man who played in the 1967 Rugby League Challenge Cup final loss to Featherstone.

He spent 14 seasons at Craven Park and represented the club on 261 occasions, registering 12 tries.

The Hall of Fame entrant earned three caps for Lancashire and was a firm favourite among fans.

Leading the tributes, Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey, said: “Mike was one of the kindest people you could wish to meet. He is my godfather.

“I watched him as a youngster, he was hard as nails but a fair man who would never hurt any of the opposition.

“When I was just 16 Mike and the Barrow Coach Frank Foster knocked on my door to sign for the club but I refused the offer.

“I was too young but did sign some years later. He always supported me in my career. He will be sorely missed.”

Sanderson started his career playing as a fast-paced winger for Dalton U18’s.

He then signed for Barrow in 1961 and made his debut away to Bradford.

Cousin and former referee Roly Parker recalled: “He was on trial with Barrow and played at Workington but forgot to take his boots. Workington loaned him a pair and then he scored a try against them.

Former Barrow captain and Great Britain star David Cairns said: “He was a coach at Askam when I started playing for the club.

“He was a genuine bloke who would always give you advice. He was such a brilliant athlete.”

His last game for the club came at home to Batley in 1974.  

Former Askam Secretary Jeff Coward said: “To play for Lancashire is no mean feat when back in the day there were so many top players. My thoughts are with his soul mate Pam and his family.”