TOM Loxam’s transition to the professional game shows there are avenues for players from non-traditional rugby league backgrounds to make it at Barrow Raiders, according to rugby director Andy Gaffney.

Loxam, who has signed a contract with the Raiders for the 2019 Betfred Championship season, originally came to the club on trial after impressing for the Great Britain Armed Forces team.

The former Royal Marine subsequently signed a two-year contract and has made steady progress to earn another deal, with Gaffney seeing him as an example of how any player will be given a chance at Barrow if they show the ability.

“Anybody and everybody will be given an opportunity if we think they are good enough,” said Gaffney.

“Anyone can put their hand up and say they want to have a trial, and if they’re good enough we’ll give them a chance.

“It just proves that with Tom; he came from playing for the Royal Marines and a few games for his amateur club to us and it just proves if you’re good enough you can make that transition.

“We’re always looking wherever, be it these shores or abroad. We’ve had some contact with some players from abroad and the net is growing all the time for where players we want to bring in come from.”

Loxam made 15 appearances for the Raiders during the 2018 Betfred Championship season at either centre or on the wing, with his defensive ability in particular pleasing head coach Paul Crarey.

Gaffney praised Crarey for playing a big role in the progress of the three-quarter, who did not start playing rugby league until he was in the Marines, has made since coming into the professional game.

And Gaffney believes there is still more to come from Loxam in 2019, along with praising his attitude and professionalism for being behind him making the most of the opportunity to play at this level despite his relative lack of experience in the sport.

“It’s been a learning curve for Tom and what Cresta has done for him in the couple of years he has been here has been great,” said Gaffney.

“You can see his improvement season on season and that’s why we wanted to keep him at the club for next year.

“He’s taken to the professional game quite well. He’s always in good nick because he’s been in the Forces and he played for their team, and then he got a job up here and it just seems a good fit for him.

“He’s a great lad to deal with, he trains hard, never misses training and he’s a good one for the camp.”