Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey is delighted to have strengthened his squad with loan deals for Wigan Warriors hooker Tom Forber and Leigh Leopards' Kavan Rothwell.

Speaking to the club’s official website about the new arrivals, Crarey said: “Following an injury to Aaron Smith, we are once again grateful to the Wigan club, who have agreed to the loan signing of up-and-coming hooker Tom Forber.

“Tom is very highly thought of and has already played in the Wigan first team this year.

“We look forward to helping him develop on his rugby league journey, and thank Wigan for once again trusting us with one of their young talents.

“After the blow of losing Harvey Makin to London, it was great work from everyone to get Kavan Rothwell on board, with thanks to Leigh Leopards for their agreement.

“Kavan played for us on loan last year and is an exciting young talent. He was delighted to take up the opportunity to re-join us and really enjoyed his time with us last season.

“We of course wish Harvey all the best in the next phase of his development and thank him for his efforts.

“It’s great for the club that we are trusted with young Super League talent, and we will always do what is best both for young up-and-coming talent and our club.”

Director of rugby Andy Gaffney said: “It is always unfortunate to suffer an injury so early into the season, but to be able to bring in a player of Tom’s quality gives us the opportunity to further assess the severity of Aaron Smith’s knee injury.

“Whilst out on loan last season, Tom proved on a number occasions why he is so highly-rated, and we extend our thanks to Wigan for allowing us to play a part in his development.

“We were keen to strengthen our forward pack following Harvey’s departure, and I would like to thank Leigh for trusting us with the next phase of Kavan’s development.

“Kavan impressed us on loan last season and is eager to continue his development with the Raiders.

“We hope to bring the best aspects of his game to light and support his progression over the coming weeks.”

Forber, who arrives at Raiders on initial two-week loan, has come through the ranks at Wigan, making his debut away at Hull KR in 2022.

Last season, the 20-year-old enjoyed loan spells in the Betfred Championship and Betfred League 1, representing Widnes Vikings, Whitehaven, Wakefield Trinity and Oldham.

The hooker has featured in three matchday squads for Warriors so far this season, taking to the field against both Huddersfield Giants and London Broncos in the Betfred Super League.

Forber was also a key player for the Wigan reserves team that went on to win the Reserves Grand Final against St Helens last October.

Rothwell meanwhile, returns to the Northern Competitions for his second stint, having featured for the Raiders three times last season during a brief loan spell away from Betfred Super League champions Wigan Warriors in July.

The 20-year-old joined Leigh in the off-season following his departure from the Warriors, signing a one-year deal with the Leopards.

Rothwell will bolster the Raiders’ forward pack for forthcoming Betfred Championship fixtures, with his parent club holding a 24-hour call-back option on the player, should they get significant injuries.