BARROW Raiders has signed the former St Helens centre Rio-Osayomwanbo Corkill on a 12-month deal. 

The 20-year-old Nigeria international joined the club after a trial period. He originally played for Walney Central but left Cumbria aged 16 to play at St Helens. 

He progressed through the U18s and U19s sides and onto the reserves and then scored six tries in 10 appearances in 2022. 

He made his Super League debut off the bench against Wakefield Trinity in August after ascending into the first-team squad.

The Mail: Rio Corkhill on international duty Rio Corkhill on international duty (Image: Nigeria Rugby League)

Corkhill has also played for Nigeria ahead of the Middle East Africa Championship in Accra, Ghana, which is part of the qualification process for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup. 

Corkill told the Barrow Raiders website about his move: "

I was at Saints last year and it was a brilliant experience for me, so when it came to leaving it was quite tough.

“The idea of coming to Barrow and being part of what’s been built over the last few years is really exciting for me. I couldn’t let that opportunity pass me by.

“We’re all here to win and do the best we can. If that’s achieving promotion to Super League, that’s brilliant. If it’s finishing top four, that’s great too. We need to start by winning every game we can."

Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey said: “Right from the start of our journey with Barrow, our aim was always to build around and develop local talent. 

“We said we would not only help develop young players but also any aspiring coaches in the area also. When Rio became available, it was a no-brainer to invite him in and have a look at him. 

“Sometimes when young lads go to big clubs as juniors and maybe don’t quite make it, it’s very easy to call it quits due to the disappointment. 

“Rio has turned up, trained hard and showed his enthusiasm for his local town. Everyone has been impressed with his attitude and it’s great to have him with us.”