Loxam has played rugby league for the Marines and Great Britain Armed Forces, with Raiders head coach Crarey being tipped off about his availability by a contact with Super League experience.
The centre has already had a chance to check out the set-up at Craven Park after being part of the pre-season squad meeting on Tuesday evening, and is due to be involved again in their first full training session ahead of the 2017 Kingstone Press League One season tonight.
“He’s come highly recommended to us and he’s moved to the Windermere area,” said Crarey.
“He’s a big, wiry lad, 6ft 2ins and we haven’t seen him play, but the reports we’ve had on him are he is really good.
“He comes from the guy who came down to do our concussion talk last year and has been involved with Catalans Dragons.
“He said ‘this kid, I believe, can play Championship or easily League One.’
“We’re going to give Tom a look, he’ll be down with us all through pre-season and probably play a few games with a view to coming in with us – if it’s possible and if he’s up to standard.”
Lomax’s representative honours for the Armed Forces rugby league team include being selected in the squad for their two-match tour of Australia last year.
And despite his lack of experience at this level, Crarey is in no doubt Loxam has plenty of attributes from his seven years’ service as a Royal Marines Commando, which give him a very good chance of earning a place in the Barrow team.
“He probably hasn’t played at this level, but the people who recommended him believe he can because he has been in the Marines, he’s very fit and looks athletic,” said Crarey. “We can develop him in this division as part of our squad, if that’s what he wants to do.
“He’s keen, he was down early on Tuesday night and he seems a nice kid and very eager.
“He’ll be disciplined as well because he comes from that environment, so we’re really chuffed that he’s come.
“Sometimes, somebody pops up who nobody knows a lot about who becomes a really good addition to your squad. Hopefully Tom can fit that bill.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here