BARROW Raiders head coach Paul Crarey was dealt a body blow with the announcement that skipper Jarrad Stack was to return down under with immediate effect.

The 36-year-old Talisman jetted out of Manchester on Thursday with the news that his mother is not in the best of health.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s home game against Dewsbury (kick-off 3pm) Crarey said: “It was a big shock to learn that Jarrad was going home, he rang me earlier in the week with news from Australia regarding the health of his mother.

“Jarrad goes with our blessing, and along with all at the club and our loyal supporters we wish his mother all the best, and that she pulls through in what is a tense time for her family.

“Jarrad has been a tower of strength for us at Barrow and at the age of 36, he still goes out and gives 100 per cent.

“The lads look up to him for his leadership, and he will be a big miss tomorrow.”

Crarey is looking to field a similar 17 to that which gained their first win of the season last week in defeating York City Knights 15-14.

With Stack ruled out, Greg Burke is recalled and will be vying for a place in the 17 along with the return of Luke Broadbent, who has served his suspension, and Shane Toal, who returns following a concussion.

Max Clarke, who won the Man of the Match award last week with a fine display at centre, could move into the forwards where he is equally at home.

That would allow Broadbent and Toal to slot into the centre position, although Clarke with his long strides is most dangerous in the back division.

Crarey has also been boosted by the announcement that Tom Forber (Wigan) and Kavan Rothwell (Leigh) have extended their loans for a further two weeks.

“It's great news that we can keep both the two youngsters, they have slotted in well into our pattern of play,” Crarey said.

“They are both very enthusiastic and good players, and it is nice to see both Wigan and Leigh put their faith in Barrow to extend their loan periods.

“Forber is a lively hooker and still only a kid ,and forcing his way into the Wigan side is difficult with very good hookers in Brad O’Neill and Kruis Leeming.

“He is very talented and was 18th man for Wigan when they won the World Championship Cup when they defeated Australia's, Penrith Panthers.

“Kavan is equally as good. He works hard and he told his agent if Leigh wanted him to go out on loan Barrow was his choice.

“They are both loving their time here, and the lads have rallied round to make them welcome.

“We had Harvey Makin (Wigan) only a few weeks ago until London Broncos came in for him, he keeps in touch with us.

“I can’t thank John Duffy (Wigan) and Chris Chester (Leigh) enough, we have a good relationship with both clubs.”

When asked if the next four games could see Barrow picking up at least six points, Dewsbury and Doncaster home, Sheffield away and Batley at home - Crarey said: “I don't look ahead that far I take one game at a time because you don’t know what's around the corner.

“Injuries can pile up on you and you could be in trouble.

“This is a very tough league and things can change as you move along.

“Who would have thought after three games Batley and York would be occupying the bottom two places on the ladder three defeats from three?”

Newly promoted Dewsbury have one win from three defeating Batley and running both Halifax and Widnes close.

Expected in the visitors 17 man squad is 42 year old veteran Paul Sykes, who is still pulling the strings for the Rams, along with Huddersfield pair Jack Bibby and Jack Billingham.

The latter had a spell at Barrow on loan last season.