BRAD Brennan has returned to Coventry Bears on loan in a bid to get more minutes under his belt after work commitments mean he will be unable to feature in Barrow Raiders' next three games.

The prop, who is something of a cult hero among the Raiders supporters, has recently changed jobs and is unable to play in tomorrow's game at London Skolars or the home matches against University of Gloucestershire All Golds and Oxford.

Brennan enjoyed a successful three-game spell at the Bears – who play on Sundays – last year and Barrow head coach Paul Crarey is optimistic this move will prove beneficial for all parties as well.

“He’ll play big minutes there and he’s under no pressure with his work commitments and stuff,” said Crarey.

“He does struggle with his fitness and he understands that it’s only short-term, but we’re in the results business as well and it’s good to get him out there.

“We asked him if he’d go and he jumped at the chance. If he was sat out of the game for a month, it wouldn’t do anybody any good at all.

“I spoke to Tom Tsang, who I get on well with, and who is a good bloke and a good coach as well, and he’ll be good for Brad and Brad will be good for them.”

Work commitments mean Shane Toal will not travel to Skolars tomorrow either, which sees Brett Carter replace him on the wing, while Tom Loxam will come in for the injured Luke Cresswell.

Former Barrow Island amateur Cresswell picked up a hand injury in training on Thursday, but ex-Royal Marine Loxam has shown himself to be more than capable of stepping up to the mark in his first year playing professional rugby league.

“He’s a great kid; He’s come from a good military background, and he’s so disciplined, focused and has a desire to do well,” said Crarey.

“His eyes light up every time he’s selected and he got into the League One Cup final solely on his performance at Toronto. He was outstanding against Craig Hall, who is a Super League centre.

“He’s going to be a good one, he’s fit and determined and he’s someone to work with – as are Matty While and Luke Cresswell.

“Look what Luke has done from the amateur game when people thought he wouldn’t play, and he's killing it for us on the wing and covering at full-back.”