PAUL Crarey believes Barrow Raiders' new signings with Super League experience will be able to show their full capabilities in the environment at Craven Park.

Lewis Charnock and Declan Hulme both have varying levels of experience in the top flight from their time with St Helens and Widnes Vikings respectively, while Tom Walker is a product of Warrington Wolves' academy.

Crarey is optimistic the trio can thrive in the same way as Andy Ellis, who was brought to the club by the Raiders head coach from Hull Kingston Rovers during his first spell in charge and went on to sign for Harlequins RL after being named Championship Man of Steel in 2009.

“These lads get farmed out and it's a big test for them,” said Crarey. “It was the same when we got Andy Ellis in – he went full circle and actually went back to play Super League, so these kids can do it given the right environment and the right style of football.

“I spoke to Declan and he's very, very enthusiastic. He just wants to play and wants to play in the centre. There wasn't a lot of negotiation regarding money; he told us what he wanted, we had a look at it and he more or less came in straight away.

“He's really enthusiastic and we just want lads who are keen. We've got enough experience now and these kids are going to be play under these experienced players, and be allowed to thrive.”

Bringing in three-quarter Hulme and stand-off Charnock means Barrow have been able to fill the void left by the departure of Chris Hankinson, who ended up playing most of last season in the unfamiliar half-back role after previously featuring in the centres.

Hulme spent part of the 2016 Championship campaign playing on the wing at Workington Town and managed 11 tries for the club, but Crarey envisages him playing as part of the Barrow midfield, where he feels the talents can be best utilised.

“It will be good for us with Chris going and with Lewis Charnock coming in, he'll be a natural pivot whereas Chris wasn't, and it allows us to push Declan wider so he can play in his natural position as a centre,” said Crarey.

“We've gone just to fill voids and tried to find people who are exciting, play to our systems and fit in pretty easily. Declan is one of those and it's the same with Jarrad (Stack).

“He's a really attacking back rower, strong, big and can travel, and you don't really get that nowadays because those sort of players are playing top-end Championship or Super League.”