ANDY Gaffney believes Paul Crarey’s record of developing young players is helping make Barrow Raiders an attractive proposition for new signings.

The Raiders have already clinched St Helens youth products Deon Cross and Jake Spedding on deals for 2019, with the pair having impressive for Rochdale Hornets and Sheffield Eagles respectively in the Betfred Championship this year.

Raiders head coach Crarey has often sought out players who have been overlooked by full-time clubs and tried to develop them, with rugby directior Gaffney citing Wigan Warriors’ Chris Hankinson and Joe Bullock, who moves to Wigan next season, as examples.

“They all want to play for Cresta,” said Gaffney. “He’s got a very good name in the coaching world and people want to learn under him.

“You look at what the likes of Chris Hankinson and Joe Bullock have done under him, and I think that’s what young players look at now.”

Meanwhile, Gaffney is hopeful Barrow will soon be able to announce more members of the current squad re-signing after Jamie Dallimore, Nathan Mossop and Declan Hulme all agreed terms.

“We’re talking to most of the squad now and there will be some more signings from the current squad we’ll announce,” said Gaffney. “We’re talking to other players who we want to bring in to strengthen in key positions.”