AS he headed off the field following the final hooter against London Broncos last Sunday, Nathan Mossop was left with conflicting emotions.

On the one hand, Mossop and his Barrow Raiders team-mates had just suffered a 72-6 defeat to the full-timers in the Betfred Championship regular season finale.

But on the other, the team vice-captain was marking yet another career milestone – this time after racking up his 200th appearance in a Raiders shirt.

That was celebrated with chairman Steve Neale arranging to have the supporters at Craven Park join Mossop on the field for a post-match photograph and presentation, giving the one very positive memory to take away from an otherwise forgettable game.

"Obviously, it was a great feeling to reach the 200 milestone for Barrow, but off the back of that performance against London it was quite difficult, really," said Mossop.

"Steve Neale had put together a presentation which was fantastic for me to be involved in and I really appreciate that. It was tough, but nonetheless I'm happy to get there.

"I've enjoyed my time at Barrow thoroughly. They've looked after me from day one and I've had some great support. I've seen a lot of coaches come and go, and over the last few years (head coach) Paul (Crarey) has helped me develop as a rugby player and a person as well.

"It's fantastic and it was great to see some of the fans coming to enjoy that moment with me at the end of the game and it's something I'll always cherish."

Mossop's connections to Barrow go way back to before he joined them from amateur club Millom in 2009, with father Steve and uncle Andrew – better known by his nickname Biff – both playing for the town's professional club.

Going to Craven Park with his dad to watch the likes of Darren Holt and Pat Weisner in action for the Raiders remain particularly fond memories from his youth too.

Not only that, but watching from the terraces helped ignite his determination to one day follow in his family's footsteps and he has not only achieved that, but become an integral part of the team as well.

Indeed, his value to the Raiders was underlined by Crarey when he handed him the vice-captaincy earlier this year.

"He’s a great kid to model yourself on with his attitude and preparation," said Crarey at the time. "I played with his dad and he was the same; he had a tremendous attitude and was tough as teak.

"I’m proud to have coached him and been around him, and hopefully helped him a little bit. But I reckon there’s a few more games in him yet and he’s a winner as well."

The past nine years and 200 games – punctuated by one season playing for South Wales Scorpions – have seen plenty of ups and downs, combined with Mossop creating many happy memories too.

"The first year I signed we won the Championship and in my debut season I was fortunate enough to play against Wigan Warriors, which is a memory I'll never forget," said Mossop.

"It's been some tough times in the last few years I've played, but some memorable times. Winning the League One Cup last year was up there, going to Toronto is an experience I'll be eternally thankful for because I don't think I'd have got that opportunity if I hadn't have played for Barrow, and the (2017) play-off final as well.

"But I think the last three years is a time I've enjoyed the most with the group of people at the club, and the lads who have come in from different clubs and Paul have contributed to that.

"Even in times of struggle at the moment, it's not difficult to turn up to training because the lads are a good group and they stick together."

The injury problems which have beset the Raiders in recent months were again laid bare in the defeat to London last week, with Mossop having to play the full 80 minutes at hooker instead of swapping with Dean Parata off the interchange bench due to the Australian playing in the halves.

He is one of the few Barrow players who has managed to stay virtually injury-free so far in 2018 and is eager to ensure it remains that way for the Championship Shield phase of the campaign.

Mossop acknowledges staying clear of injury will be a factor in how much longer he can play for too, but at the age of 30 he should still have plenty of playing years left him and time to add to those 200 appearances.

"I try my best to look after myself, but ultimately it will be down to whoever is in charge," said Mossop.

"If Paul still feels I can do a job in there then I'll keep on going until my body tells me time is no longer on my side.

"I still feel fresh and fortunately this year I've been injury-free, and hopefully I can maintain that for the remaining games and contribute to us progressing as a group and hopefully staying in the Championship."