TO see the way he terrorises opponents on the rugby field, it might be easy to imagine Brad Brennan as the type of man Blofeld would send to kill James Bond.

Standing at 6'2” and weighing in at around 18 stone, the shaven-headed prop cuts an imposing enough figure as it is, let alone when coming off the interchange bench and running at full speed into opposing players with the ball in hand or to make a tackle.

Given his playing style then, it is little wonder that the man nicknamed 'Boom-Boom' has become something of a cult hero on the Craven Park terraces during his second spell with Barrow Raiders.

It perhaps goes without saying that Brennan enjoys holding such a status among the club's supporters, although it is something he uses to stay humble and keep at the benchmark he has set with his impact performances.

“I think everyone enjoys being a fans' favourite,” said Brennan. “It spurs me on as well because you've got to play up to the standard that the fans hold you to.”

Brennan first came to Barrow on dual-registration terms from Warrington Wolves five years ago, with the Skelmersdale-born prop having originally been signed up for the Super League side's academy set-up as a 16-year-old from amateur club Wigan St Judes.

That move subsequently became permanent in 2013, followed by spells with York City Knights and Hunslet before returning to the Raiders in March last year.

Missing a large part pre-season training meant he was behind on his fitness though, which resulted I a three-game loan spell at tomorrow's opponents, Coventry Bears, in a bid to get some playing time under his belt.

Despite having to feature as an impact player for Barrow last year, making all nine of his appearances from the interchange bench, Brennan was more than happy to sign on for another year and is optimistic he will benefit from having a full pre-season this time around.

“You can't underestimate the power of a good pre-season,” said Brennan. “I came in late last year and ended up going on loan to get some game-time.

“Once you get going, if you've got a good pre-season behind you then you come in flying and I can get some decent minutes behind me.

“I enjoyed my first time around and ended up coming back up last season. I missed pre-season, but then I just loved it.

“It's a pretty good set of lads up here and there's a good buzz around the camp, so I thought I'd stay. The buzz is still there, the lads are great and we've got some great new additions to the squad.”

Among those additions is another former Warrington Wolves Academy prop, Tom Walker, adding to a strong front row which already contains Brennan, Ollie Wilkes, Joe Bullock and Andrew Dawson.

Brennan is excited by the level of competition around him though and has already labelled the Raiders forwards as “the best pack in the league” - a statement which he is more than confident him and his team-mates will live up to.

If the displays in the friendlies against Oldham and Whitehaven are anything to go by then the 24-year-old may well have a point, and they have another chance to impose themselves tomorrow when Coventry are the visitors.

The Bears have made steady progress since joining Kingstone Press League One in 2015, narrowly missing out on a place in the League One Shield final last year, and Brennan has some insight into the work going on at Butts Park Arena following his stint there.

“I think they've done well since they've come in,” said Brennan. “They took some points off North Wales last year and that's a massive step for the Coventry team and obviously for any of the teams down south.

“It's tough because rugby league isn't big in those areas, so you do get a lot of travellers going down there.

“But the thing with having a lot of travellers is that I think it's pushing the local talent on and hopefully they'll start getting a few more local lads involved.

“It's always good to play against your mates and try to get one over on them. Hopefully I can get a decent run-out and I'll enjoy myself.”

As for the season ahead at Barrow, Brennan is optimistic of being able to secure a top-two finish, along with enjoying good runs in both the League One Cup and the Challenge Cup.

“I think it's realistic, a top two spot, and we will be there,” said Brennan. “Maybe we can get a couple of good cup runs and I think we'll do really well this season.

“It will be good to have a good run in the League One Cup and get to Blackpool (for the final), and it will be a great time for the lads to enjoy and the fans.

“Any game we go into, we always target to do really well and hopefully we can start pipping a few of those big teams – even Toronto, I think we'll push them far this season.”

And you can be sure the rampaging prop will be leading from the front, whether it be starting or coming off the bench.