Barrow Raiders sign Jarrad Summat and Josh Woods to the squad

Both are ex-Super League players – Sammat (London Broncos) and Woods (Wakefield).

Thunder are Barrow's second opponents pre-season as they look ahead to their campaign in the Championship after promoted title winners from League One.

Last weekend in atrocious conditions, Barrow defeated West Cumbria’s Workington Town 24-12.

Crarey is looking for a drier playing surface adding: “It was awful last Sunday. Rain, driving winds and a heavy pitch that cut up.

"It was difficult for both teams who tried to play open rugby, but it was a good run out for the lads.

"Josh Woods has been great in training sessions; he brings a lot of experience into the camp and along with other signings it is looking good for a tough season ahead.”

Crarey also welcomes back Danny Morrow, Nathan Mossop and possibly Jake Carter.

However, missing out will be Tee Ritson (illness) Shane Toal (ligaments) and Carl Forster (concussion).

Dan Toal should be recovered after pulling a calf muscle last weekend and local boys Dan Wright, Connor Saunders and Ethan Kelly are likely to feature, while skipper Jarrad Stack has work commitments. Declan Hulme who has a knee problem is likely to return next Sunday when former player and coach Anthony Murray brings his North Wales side to Craven Park.

Crarey added. “The local lads did well and we will have a stronger team on the park, but Carl Forster will be a big miss.

But it is important that we have Carl available for the start of the season with Sheffield at home on January 30.”

Newcastle have gone full time this season under coach Eamon O’Carroll the former Wigan player.

And it is to Wigan that O’Carroll has brought in Mitch Clark who made 17 appearances for the Warriors over two seasons.

Clark had two loans spell with Thunder last season.

The New Zealand Maori international is a key player for the North-East side.