BRANDON Corrie is ready to lead by example as Furness Raiders embark on their second season in the College Rugby League competition.

The half-back has been involved with Furness since the early days of the under-19s side playing friendlies against the Barrow and District League representative team, and is now one of the squad's senior players.

It is a status Corrie enjoys having and he is in no doubt both him and the other older members of the team have a responsibility to help those players making the step up from the under-16s this season.

"I think there is that responsibility and it's no different to when we were the young lads," said Corrie.

"We looked up to the older lads and obviously rugby is an intense game where it gets physical, so you need the older guys to look up to for training and match-day standards.

"You need the lads to lead you on the pitch and I think you do take a bit of that responsibility."

Furness enjoyed the perfect start to the season with a 33-16 win away to Pontefract last week and return to West Yorkshire tonight to take on Wakefield (kick-off 5pm).

It saw the Raiders continue where they left off after a successful first season in the competition, although Barrow Island product Corrie is aware it is not just results which are important for the team.

"You always talk about winning, but winning is not everything," said Corrie.

"It's more about developing as players and a team, and playing at this level you find a lot out about yourself as well and if you are good enough to step up.

"We like to make it a bit of a fortress at Craven Park, so that's one we definitely want to lay down and see how we go. Hopefully we'll be up there towards the end."

Ryan Johnston became the first player to progress from Furness to the professional ranks after signing a contract with Barrow Raiders last year, while others have been invited to train with the senior team.

Corrie is one of those in their final year with the team aiming to do enough to show Barrow head coach Paul Crarey he is worthy of earning a chance to play professionally as well.

"You can see the pathway works," said Corrie. "There are lots of possibilities and for us lads at the top end now looking to push on, and also for the young lads coming in, that's where they want to be.

"Everyone is pushing for the same goal and it's good competition."