IT was a disappointed Paul Crarey the Barrow Raiders coach when the final pre-season friendly with North Wales Crusaders was called off yesterday.

The Barrow boss was looking forward to the final run out prior to next Sunday’s opening fixture in the Championship when Sheffield Eagles visit Craven

Park.

Crarey said: “We are disappointed with the late call off but you have to look after players’ welfare. Crusaders were down to the bare 15 through Covid and injuries so we understand that.

“It would have been a first run out for Jarrad Stack and Tee Ritson so I was wanting to see how they went.

“But one thing we won’t pick up any injuries, which you normally pick up in these games.”

It is going to be a tough season ahead for last season’s League One champions with several clubs going full time.

“Newcastle have gone full time along with Leigh and Featherstone while stiff competition will come from the likes of Halifax,Bradford and Batley.

Leigh came down from Super-League and have spent big to go straight back up.

The Raiders know they can’t afford to go back down and have spent wisely on ex Super League players Jarrad Sammut, Danny Langtree and Josh Woods while also bringing in forward Sam Brooks and local boy Ellis Gillam.

Key half back is Sammut, the experienced Aussie is the right man to guide the players around the field while Woods (ex Wakefield) is a busy number nine.

Gillam spent time at Warrington and Whitehaven before coming back home.

Crarey added “We have the right men in the right places and have built up a good squad with plenty of

competition.

“Twenty six league games plus cup ties will be a hard season ahead, and you need a good squad as you always pick up injuries.

“The standard is going to be a lot tougher and for some of the younger lads it will be a good experience. But I feel we have the experienced players to guide them.”

Crarey will look to Sammut to bring along local half backs Jake Carter and Ryan Johnston for their first Championship venture as will be the case for Tom Hopkins.

Following Sheffield the Raiders go up the coast to Whitehaven.