TEE Ritson is excited by the challenge of playing Betfred Championship rugby league again after agreeing to join Barrow Raiders for the 2019 season.

Ritson, who is comfortable playing either at full-back or on the wing, has signed from League One outfit Newcastle Thunder after spending the 2018 season at Kingston Park.

The chance to play in the Championship again proved too good an opportunity for former Workington Town player Ritson to turn down and he cannot wait to apply what he has learned at Newcastle when he returns the second tier of the professional game.

“It’s been really enjoyable,” said Ritson, reflecting on his time at Newcastle. “As a player, you’ve always got to do what’s best for yourself and it was a hard decision to leave Workington in the first place.

“I’ve made some good mates at Newcastle and gained some valuable experience. I’ve enjoyed my rugby there, but this opportunity came up and I couldn’t really turn it down and it’s good to playing back in the Championship.

“As a player, you’ve got to put yourself in areas which can be uncomfortable and challenge yourself, and that’s another reason why I feel Barrow is the best option for me at the moment.”

A graduate of the old Cumbria Storm Academy set-up, Ritson got his start in the professional game with hometown club Workington and quickly shot to prominence, winning a hat-trick of end-of-year awards in 2016.

Ritson’s time at Town means he is already familiar with Raiders squad members Brett Carter, Tom Walker and Jarrad Stack, having played alongside them.

He has been capped at international level by Thailand as well, and is the third new signing Barrow have made for next season along with three-quarters Jake Spedding and Deon Cross.

Along with wanting to test himself in the Championship again, Ritson was impressed by the other new signings and the members of the squad who have signed new contracts at Barrow, along with the vision for the club laid out by rugby director Andy Gaffney.

“They’ve made some really good signings, so it was really inviting,” said Ritson.

“I’m delighted to have signed, and I’m thankful to (head coach) Paul Crarey and the board for giving me this opportunity.

“I feel I’ve gained some valuable experience in League One, especially at full-back, so I’m ready to test myself back in the Championship now.

“I already know a few of the lads and I’ve played with them before, being at Workington Town. It’s a Cumbrian club, they’ve got big plans for next year and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”