HEAD coach Paul Crarey will throw Delaine Bedward into the lion’s den when Barrow Raiders take on Wakefield Trinity in today at the DIY Kitchin Stadium (Kick-off 3pm).

With skipper Jarrad Stack out through suspension and James Greenwood still recovering from a head injury Barrow are low on numbers for the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup quarter-final.

Crarey can only name a 20-man squad with Luke Broadbent starting a four-match ban following his last minute dismissal against Oldham in the Challenge Cup, while winger Andrew Bullman is still sidelined.

Bedward, 22, comes with a reputation of being a big robust forward who likes to be in the thick of the action.

Studying at Coventry University, Bedward was selected for the English Universities squad and had a short spell at Midland Hurricanes and with the London Broncos Academy squad.

Crarey said: “I am looking forward to seeing Delaine in action against a star-studded Trinity side.

“He is staying in town with Ramon Silva and looks sharp in training. He is a lad full of enthusiasm and is enjoying his time at the club, so we want to see how he shapes up.”

Although down to 20 fit players, Crarey received a boost this week when Tom Walker was given the green light to make his first competitive start of the season following his return from Whitehaven.

Walker is a fans’ favourite at Craven Park, and has been out of action after he picked up a foot injury in the preseason game with North Wales Crusaders.

Crarey added: “We are all looking forward to the game with Trinity, they have just come down from Super League and are red hot favourites for a quick return.

“They have spent big in their quest to go straight back into Super League, so we will go there and play good open rugby.

“We have nothing to fear, we are not under any pressure, the pressure is upon them.

“We will give our best and compete. They could blow us away with the squad they have, but we won't buckle.

“Mike Ogunwol will sit this one out as he played for the British Army on Wednesday, so we are down on numbers.

“It will be a good test, and if we go out we will then have to wait till late March before we start our league campaign at Widnes.

“So if we pick up any injuries we will have time to get them back up to speed.”

Trinity have run up big scores in the Challenge Cup and 1895 Cup – a 110-0 win against Newcastle and a 70-6 triumph over amateurs Siddall.

Their only real test was at York, but they were still comfortable 40-4 victors at the final whistle.

They have splashed the cash bringing in former Great Britain players like half-back Luke Gale and winger Jermaine McGillvary, the latter having a loan spell at Barrow over a decade ago as a young up and coming winger at Huddersfield

Also joining Trinity is ex Wigan centre Iain Thornley and free try-scoring winger Lachlan Walmsley from Halifax.