PAUL Crarey believes Barrow Raiders are fortunate to have the likes of Danny Morrow in their squad after the second row played a starring role in the Challenge Cup win over Rochdale Mayfield.

Raiders head coach Crarey was already well-aware of what the former Walney Central amateur could do before bringing him to the club, having taken Morrow on tour with him to Australia during his time in charge of the BARLA national team.

Observers from NRL side Sydney Roosters were among those impressed with what they saw from Morrow on that tour, while former Cents team-mate Andy Litherland has attracted attention from closer to home in the past in the form of Huddersfield Giants.

The fact both work at BAE Systems helps with their home-town club being able to retain their services and Crarey is delighted the pair are happy to continue representing Barrow.

“He's (Morrow) a natural running back rower and those sort of lads get picked up at the highest level,” said Crarey. “We're lucky that he's got a great job at BAE – the same as Andy Litherland as well.

“Huddersfield came and had a look at Andy a couple of seasons ago and he wasn't interested, and he's happy to play for Barrow.

“Danny is Morrow is one I took on tour with BARLA and the Roosters were very impressed with him, and he's a top-of-the-ground runner – and this is on mud where he's travelling strong in difficult conditions.”

The ex-Walney duo are just two of a clutch of amateur players the Raiders have brought up from the area's amateur teams in recent seasons, with Millom prop Ethan Kelly the next in line to make the step up when he feels he is ready to turn professional as well.

Former Barrow Island full-back Luke Cresswell has carried on his pre-season form in the first two competitive matches of the year – featuring on the wing in the two cup matches against Mayfield - and Matty While, who started with Roose Pioneers before joining the Leeds Rhinos Academy, earned praise for his display off the interchange bench on Sunday.

Litherland was rested for that game, with Jarrad Stack taking his place in the centre, but is likely to return for the Kingstone Press League One opener at home to York City Knights this Saturday.

“I wanted to look after Livvy,” said Crarey. “He got injured a few times last year and we can't afford that coming up to our big games, and the start of the season is a big game for us.

“We've got a big back line as well and we're probably running with only one natural winger, but Luke Cresswell has done well and we've still got Brett Carter to come back.

“Matty While, for spells, did really well carrying the ball. He's probably got to work on his fitness, but these kids are coming through and we're still educating them and still trying to function while we're doing that.

“We're not casting them aside and we're going to fit them in where we can. We need some outside backs and I'd like a few more wingers competing for places, but Shane Toal has been brilliant and I look forward to Saturday.”