BARROW Raiders have boosted their forward power by signing top amateur prospect Matty Holmes on a two-year deal.

Raiders coach Paul Crarey is delighted to get the versatile Walney Central packman on board ahead of the 2016 League One campaign and is hoping for big things from him.

Holmes trained with Raiders last year and after enjoying another great Cumbria League season with Cents he returned to Craven Park for pre-season where he impressed again.

“He was with us all last year training and we have brought him in again this year and he has done really well,” said Crarey.

“We give lads an opportunity to sign on and he wants to have a go. It’s great news really, he’s a good kid.

“He’s been outstanding for Walney over the past few seasons and he will do really well.

“He has got a big future and a two-year deal will see him developing over this year into next year.

“It is great that a local kid signs on because that’s what we are trying to do. The big thing for Matty is the first year is always the hardest so he has got to get through that.”

Holmes was player of the year at Central Drive last season and runner-up this term. He joined Cents as a youngster and has been one of the leading lights for the Cumbria League hot-shots over what has been a highly successful past three-year period.

His strength in both defence and attack will be big attributes for a Raiders side targeting a return to the Championship next season.

The club, who finished an agonizing one point away from a top-five place last year, have already equipped well for 2016 bringing on board former Leigh Centurions forwards Oliver Wilkes and Martin Aspinwall.

Classy full-back Ryan Fieldhouse has also signed for a year, with Barrow also bringing in talented back Dan Abram and forward Matty While.

The inclusion of Holmes is sure to bring more competition for places and Crarey added: “He has a massive future with the club. He is training really hard.

“Last year he wanted to play for Walney and do things in the amateur game, this year he came in and said to me ‘I would like to sign on and have a go’. We have offered him that chance.

“He is tough and very difficult to handle and he will be a great player down the track.

“I think Shaun Morrow (Walney coach) has done a great job with him.”

Barrow Raiders joint director of rugby Andy Gaffney said: “After discussions he has decided to turn pro and sign for Barrow. We believe in him, he is on a two-year deal. His attitude is absolutely brilliant at training and his attitude off the field is just as good, which is very important for turning pro.

“I think he can be a big part of the club in the future. He has been brought in now and could be at the club for another eight or 10 years. He is young enough and has the hunger and desire to do it.”