GARETH Hock expects the 2019 Betfred Championship to be just as tough as the season just gone.

The 35-year-old forward, who helped Featherstone Rovers qualify for the Championship Shield final before leaving the club in August, knows first-hand just how physically demanding a league it is.

Hock is one of several new recruits for Barrow Raiders for next, along with hot prospects Deon Cross and Jake Spedding, and Papua New Guinea internationals Stargroth Amean and Wartovo Puara Jr.

And the former Great Britain and England international expects the make-up of the Championship to make it just as relentless in Barrow’s second season back in the division.

“There are a lot of Papua New Guineans coming over for different clubs and they’re good players – and tough,” said Hock.

“It’s a tough competition in the Championship and I think it’s tougher than Super League, physicality-wise, but maybe not as fast. I think it’s going to be a tough competition this year.

“It’s going to be similar to last season, with the likes of Widnes and Toulouse. Halifax are a good part-time, so it’s going to be interesting.”

The recruitment the Raiders have done means they are likely to go with a slightly smaller squad than last season, prioritising quality over quantity.

And rugby director Andy Gaffney is enthused by progress being made off the field at the club too.

“We want an established Championship squad and team, and want to push onto the next level in the league,” said Gaffney.

“Off the field as well, we’ve brought some new people onto the board and everything is really positive.”