Highly rated prop forward and pack leader Carl Forster has passed a concussion test and lines up for Barrow when they entertain Sheffield Eagles tomorrow (Sunday) kick off 3pm.

Forster was taken out - off the ball by Perry Singleton in the pre-season friendly game on January 9th (Singleton receiving a two-match ban).

The RFL’s protocol on head injuries is very strong and this season they will be taking an even more serious look at offenders who put players out of the game through concussion.

Forster was only cleared on Wednesday and his inclusion for the 2022 opener with the Eagles is a massive boost for the club.

Barrow have recruited well in the forwards for what is going to be a tough season in the Championship.

In come Danny Langtree, Sam Brooks, and Ellis Gillam, all in contention for places tomorrow.

A fourth Josh Woods is rated 50-50, he has a groin strain, but will be given a late test before a decision is made.

Coach Paul Crarey said “Josh has been struggling with his groin but we will give him every opportunity to report fit.

“His role is important, both in attack and defence, but we won't risk any player who could pull up half way through a game.”

This move by the Coach will see Declan Hulme and Jake Carter possibly miss out through injury. A blow for the Barrow boss is that popular forward Tom Hopkins is ruled out for at least a month after pulling a hamstring in training.

Crarey added “We have a very strong and fast back line and with scrums returning for the first time in two years (Due to Covid) we are looking forward to them creating spaces.

I am a big fan of scrums; I am a traditionalist and it will be good to see six men pack down and let the backs do their business.

We are all looking forward to the game and hope the fans turn up in big numbers although the forecast is not good.”

Sheffield have had no pre-season games but have a good all-round squad and experienced Coaches in Mark Aston and Keith Senior.

Half back Anthony Thackeray has been around the block along with winger Ben-Jones-Bishop and centre Kris Welham.

35-year-old Thackeray is in his 16th and final season and takes the skippers arm band from former Barrow player Matt James who has retired.