Last updated 15:05, Friday, 03 October 2008

BARROW-born RL pair Gary Broadbent and Liam Campbell are coming home after agreeing deals at Craven Park.

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The duo, along with Hull-based centre Ian Bell, were unveiled by Barrow Raiders this morning as the second wave of new signings at the club.

Club chairman Des Johnston, who has spent much of this week finalising the deals with the trio, said: “Gary Broadbent has had an illustrious career in the game.

“It is great news that the rugby league fans in his home town will be able to watch him in action.

“Workington have looked after Liam and it was a bit of a wrench for him to leave.

“But we offer him one thing they couldn’t – his mum’s home cooking!”

On Bell, he added: “I’ve talked to creditable sources in rugby league and without doubt Ian has a lot to offer.

“We will give him the support to help him realise his potential, if he does so he will become a favourite with the fans.”

Despite growing up on Walney and living there now, Broadbent has never played for the home-town club in a long career that has seen him at Widnes, Salford and Haven.

The former Super League man has spent five years with Whitehaven and, now 31, has said next season will be his last in the professional game.

Campbell was a target for the club three years ago when he was released by Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, but chose Derwent Park ahead of a deal with Barrow.

The 21-year-old has suffered from injury problems the past two years, but offers another option in the half-backs, with Liam Finch and youngster Scott Kaighan the only two currently signed on. Bell is a 24-year-old former centre with Hull Kingston Rovers and Hull FC — where he played alongside Martin Ostler — and spent time with Featherstone reserves last year trying to regain his fitness.

Vice-chairman Dave Sear praised the work of Johnston in securing the deals for the new faces, who follow Andy Bracek, Andy Brocklehurst and Chris Young in moving to Barrow for the National League One campaign.

And he gave supporters more cause for cheer by saying there were more to come.

He said: “Des has put a lot of blood, sweat, tears and money into securing the signatures of players who will take the club forward.

“He hasn’t finished yet.”

l Advanced season tickets for next year, on sale at last year’s prices at present, are available from the Rugby Shop, Scott Street.