Barrow Raiders Ladies head coach Amanda Wilkinson says her squad will have their work cut out against Wigan Warriors Women this weekend.

Raiders host the Warriors in the Betfred Challenge Cup group stages tomorrow, and are looking to bounce back after they lost their group stage opener away 22-16 to Cardiff Demons last weekend.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Wilkinson said: “We are looking forward to this one. It’s going to be a big test for the girls, and not an easy one either.

“We played some really good rugby with ball in-hand against Cardiff and spent plenty of time on their goal-line, but we made the wrong decisions and came up with some poor execution which meant the game was lost in the first half.

“As for Wigan, they have some quality players with international experience, and some impressive young talent who are athletic and show good skill and speed.

“We will need to be at our best from kick-off to be in with a chance. Under the guidance of a smart new coach in Denis Betts, the girls are looking in good shape and very organised, but we have prepared well and will give it our best.”

The clash on Sunday sees Wilkinson go up against one for her former clubs in Warriors.

She led the Warriors to Women’s Super League glory in 2018, but  there will be no room for sentiment when the two sides meet.

“All Challenge Cup games are exciting, and it’s great to be involved with this competition,” she added.

“I have so many great memories from my time at Wigan, but now I’m here at Barrow, heading into Group 1 of the Women’s Super League and making more history.

“As a coach, I’m always focused on the task and the team, and preparing them to be the best they can be, regardless of the opposition.”