PAUL Crarey is proud Barrow Raiders have been able to play a part in Joe Bullock's development, following the prop being signed by Super League outfit Wigan Warriors on a three-year contract from next year.

Bullock has gone from languishing in Leigh Centurions' reserve team when he joined Raiders, initially on loan, to being one of the most sought-after players outside of the top-flight, with Wigan beating off competition from the likes of Leeds Rhinos and Hull Kingston Rovers to land him.

The 25-year-old's former Barrow team-mate Chris Hankinson has recently stepped up to the Warriors as well, and head coach Crarey is delighted to have been able to both of them on their journey to moves he is in no doubt they have earned.

“He's been a brilliant kid for me,” said Crarey of Bullock. “We got him out of Leigh reserves with Hankinson and they're both signing for one of the best clubs in the country, which is Wigan.

“There's nobody worked any harder than Joe and Hank, really, and we're just proud that our team have made that possible with their development, so we must be doing something right.

“He'll be a massive miss for this club on and off the field, and we wish Joe all the best. His boots will be hard to fill and it's been on his mind for a while.”

Bullock's influence at Craven Park extends beyond his performances on the field, with the prop currently the longest-serving member of the club's community department, along with coaching the Furness Raiders under-19s side and younger age groups.

Crarey is eager for someone to step up and replace Bullock in those roles when he departs for Wigan, and he is pleased with the work which has been done during his time at the club, along with looking forward to seeing him in action for the Warriors.

“He was there when we started off in the schools and he's been brilliant there,” said Crarey. “He's very conscientious and it's a role we need somebody to fill because we don't want to let that side of it go, and there will be an opportunity for someone to take that on.

“Me and Joe have run the development programme for the last five weeks for players aged 11 to 15 and it's been a massive success.

“He's bought into everything we've done and he's done it with a big smile on his face. He's a very likeable lad, approachable and I'll even go down to watch him when he makes his debut for Wigan because he's earned it.”

Bullock still has a minimum of seven games left in a Barrow shirt though, starting this Sunday when the team kick off their Betfred Championship Shield campaign at home to bottom side Rochdale Hornets.

And with his future now settled, Crarey is hoping Bullock will show just why he has been chased by so many potential Super League suitors in Raiders' remaining games.

“It all started back in April when it all came to light they were interested and it's been an ongoing process, and at times it's really unsettled him and his performances dipped,” said Crarey.

“But he got them back and hopefully he can finish these seven games off for us with a bang and show everyone why he's going to Wigan.

“I think he's settled in these last couple of weeks when he knows it's going to happen, and hopefully he'll get back to his best and keep us in the Championship.”

Season ticket holders are reminded their tickets are still valid for the three home games Barrow Raiders have in the second phase.