'Excited to get going' - New Raiders signing Sam Brooks on joining Barrow

Brooks – who graduated through the Wigan Warriors academy – has a wealth of Championship experience having enjoyed spells with Halifax, Rochdale Hornets, Whitehaven, Widnes Vikings, Bradford Bulls, Featherstone Rovers, Leigh Centurions and Swinton Lions.

“I am really excited to get started,” the five-time Scotland international said.

“I chose Barrow because they got promoted last season and they have a good mentality and ambition.

“They are putting together a strong team and a team that will challenge.

“I spoke with Andy Gaffney a few times before I made the decision and he was telling me about what the club has planned and their ambitions.

“It is a really exciting time to be at Raiders I think.

SIGNED: Sam Brooks

"Obviously some teams when they get promoted struggle in the league above and just aim to try and stay in the league, but they have recruited well and look to have a strong squad that could challenge.

"I’ve seen a few recent signings and know a few already there.

"I know Ryan Shaw and have played with him at Leigh and have played against Jamie Dallimore a few times. He’s a good half-back.

"I’ve played against Barrow a few times and I know how passionate their fans are. It’s always exciting to have big crowds and it gives you more of a boost to play in front of a big crowd.

"Personally, I just would like to be playing every week and playing my best rugby. I’m 28 this year, so I’d like to think I’m coming into my prime and I can be a big help towards the team in making a play-off spot."

Director of rugby Andy Gaffney is pleased to get another forward in the squad as he knows that success in the pack can help to unlock their talented outside backs next season.

"He will just be coming into his prime, so it is great to have got this signing over the line.

"He has a great attitude and just cannot wait to get started.

"We heard he came available, and he was given great reviews by Ryan Shaw - his former teammate form Leigh - who knows him quite well.

"It is always good when you get that recommendation from a player.

"We need a big pack in the Championship as they give a platform for the backs to do their stuff.

"A lot of our forwards have a great engine on them, and this lad is no different."

Speaking on what he will bring on the pitch, Brooks spoke of his style matching the modern forward with his ability to play the ball well with his hands as well as doing the hard stuff up the middle.

But one of his key aims is to work with some the younger players and help them develop by passing on his knowledge as a senior player.

He has experience at Super League, Championship, and international level - which he hopes can be useful in helping his new teammates play to their top potential.

Not only that, but Brooks is also more than prepared for the Cumbrian climate having spent time playing in Whitehaven and knows all too well what those coastal winds feel like on match-day.