PAUL Crarey has welcomed the return of David Sharpe to the fold as Barrow Raiders chairman.
Sharpe, who stood down as chairman citing work commitments at the conclusion of the 2016 season, was confirmed as rejoining the Raiders board in the role while the squad were out Canada over the weekend.
His return, succeeding interim chairman Allan Park, coincided with three new faces joining the board in Dave and Hazel Robinson – the former taking over as director of rugby – and John Coward.
And Barrow head coach Crarey is excited to have the opportunity to work with Sharpe again as the club eyes promotion to the Kingstone Press Championship via the play-offs.
On the field, the team are preparing for the final League One Super Eights game of the campaign when they host Keighley Cougars this Sunday.
Crarey had the first chance to assess his squad at training last night following the 26-2 defeat away to champions Toronto Wolfpack over the weekend.
Several players were carrying knocks, but the biggest concern was over prop Tom Walker, who suffered a serious cut to his tongue which required stitches.
“We had a couple of bad knocks and we're going to get them in those sort of games.”
Despite the defeat in Toronto, the Barrow players earned plenty of plaudits from their opponents for their performance.
Crarey's opinion was his team's kicking game was not quite at its best and was left to rue the Raiders being unable to get over the try-line when they had opportunities.
But overall he was impressed with what he saw from his side ahead of the play-offs.
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