THE appointment of Leon Pryce as Workington Town head coach helped persuade Ollie Wilkes to make the move up the coast, the prop has revealed.

The 37-year-old, who captained Barrow Raiders to a promotion and League One Cup double in 2017, was confirmed as moving to Derwent Park on a one-year deal yesterday.

Wilkes had been offered a new deal by Raiders for the 2018 Kingstone Press Championship season, but turned that down to play under former Great Britain international Pryce and try to help Town earn promotion from League One.

"Town are an ambitious club, steeped in history and the recruitment of Leon Pryce, who I have known for a lot of years, showed their ambition," said Wilkes.

"I decided that I wanted to be a part of that.

"Over the years I have been promoted several times so I'm no stranger to it and what it takes.

"I'm getting older, but I am there to do a job and I will work my socks off to do the best I can for Workington."

In total, Wilkes made 51 appearances for Barrow over his two seasons at Craven Park, scoring nine tries and kicking one conversion, which came in the 54-4 win at London Skolars in July last year.

He is the second Barrow prop to make the move to Workington for next season, joining former Millom amateur Andrew Dawson in making the switch.

And Wilkes hopes to help bring on some of Town's younger players in a similar way to how he was responsible for helping mentor the newcomers to the professional ranks at Raiders.

"That was part of my role at Barrow, to help on and off the field and with the development of younger players, especially improving their all-round game," said Ulverstonian Wilkes.

"Hopefully I can do that working alongside Leon Pryce, and bring on some of the younger lads and make them into a force for the future."

Barrow Raiders are taking bookings for the coach trip down to London Broncos for their first game back in the Championship on Sunday, February 4.

The trip departs Barrow on the Saturday prior to the match (kick-off 3pm), and includes an overnight stay and breakfast at the London Ealing Holiday Inn Express, followed by returning after the game on Sunday evening.

The cost is £90 per person based on two people per room, with a £30 deposit per person required on booking.

Contact the Rugby Shop on Scott Street on 01229 820273 for more information.