LIAM Harrison is in no doubt he is retiring from playing with Barrow Raiders on an upward curve after narrowly missing out on the perfect ending to his decade of service at Craven Park.

The 34-year-old forward produced the sort of all-action display he has become renowned for at the Raiders in last Saturday’s Kingstone Press League One play-off final, only to be denied a fairy-tale finish in the 32-22 defeat at Toulouse Olympique.

But having seen all of the highs and lows at the club since joining during head coach Paul Crarey’s first spell in charge in 2006, Harrison believes the future is looking bright and predicts the squad will be promotion contenders again next year.

“That’s all credit to the board and the coaching staff,” said Harrison. “Paul came in a few years ago and he had a whole host of local players, and that’s what he’s gone back to.

“I think he’s developing them into a really sustainable club and future. We’ve got an academy and I think we’re only going to get stronger. Players want to come to Barrow, they understand the culture and how well we get on together, and I think things are only going to get better over the next couple of seasons.

“I know Toronto are coming into the league next year and there will be some tough games against our Cumbrian rivals, but I’m sure we can do what we didn’t quite manage to do this year and get promoted.”

The former Ireland international will not be turning his back on rugby league or the Raiders altogether though and is eager to maintain some sort of involvement.

Harrison is set to discuss the possibilities for a role he may have at Barrow, although he admits he is unlikely to be moving into coaching now his playing days are behind him.

“I’ve probably not got the temperament for a coach – I’d probably be chasing people around the field,” said Harrison.

“I’ve done a bit in the past to help the club when they have needed money in terms of sponsorship. The club has given me so much, the board, staff and all the players have been really good to me, and if there’s anything they want to help out with then I’m always there for them.

“I’d certainly like to keep involved in the club. I think it would be too much of a shock to the system having gone from being involved for 10 years to just stopping.

“I know Paul has got some ideas about how I can help, so I’m more than happy to help the club that has given me so much and we’ll see what happens in the next couple of weeks.”

Harrison has not quite finished playing yet though and still has one more game on the horizon for a Cumbria Select XIII against Scotland on Friday, October 21.

And while he feels he could perhaps have continued playing beyond this season, Harrison will be happy to hang up his boots once and for all following his testimonial match.

“It is a relief!” said Harrison. “I’ve carried a few injuries for some time, their finally getting on top of me and my weeks are getting longer and longer.

“It used to take me until Tuesday to get over a game, now it’s turning into Thursday, so although I like to think I have a bit more in me, now is the right time to call time on a professional career.

“It’s been a pleasure and an honour to play for such a proud rugby town – my home-town club – and to achieve a milestone of 10 years is satisfying enough.”