IT is perhaps no surprise Blain Marwood seems like he almost does not want the 2018 rugby league season to end.

Having won the National Conference League Division Three player of the year award for his efforts in helping Barrow Island win promotion, the pivot is now playing a leading role for Cumbria in the annual Three Counties series after being named as captain.

Tomorrow’s match against Lancashire at Millom will finally bring the curtain down on a stand-out year for the 20-year-old which began way back in February, although he would be happy to carry on.

“I love playing rugby, so the more games the better,” said Marwood. “Everyone thinks it has been a long season doing county afterwards, but I love it.

“It’s a great honour to be captain as well. We’re getting loads of numbers to training and everyone seems to be enthusiastic about playing for the county this year.”

Marwood and his Cumbria team-mates go into the match at Devonshire Road feeling positive despite losing the tri-series opener away to Yorkshire last week.

Gary Hewer’s men were edged out 14-12 at York Acorn and had a potentially match-winning try ruled out for a forward pass.

The manner of the defeat proved difficult to take, yet Marwood is in no doubt it sent a message that Cumbria are closing the gap on Yorkshire and Lancashire.

“To put in a good account of ourselves and nearly get the win, away as well, I think it shook a few of the Yorkshire coaches and the Lancashire coaches who were watching, and shows how far Cumbria rugby has improved over the past few years,” said Marwood.

“It was a tough contest and probably one of the closest contests I’ve played in.

“It was painful because it was a bit of a bitter pill to lose when we had a try right at the end disallowed. Everyone was a bit heartbroken at the end.”

Tomorrow’s match is part of a double-header with the under-19s, who kick off at 12.45pm followed by the open age contest at 2pm.

The under-19s can clinch outright series triumph with victory over the Red Rose side and Marwood sees no reason the open-age side cannot take the win too.

“We’ve had two games because we played BARLA and Yorkshire, and we’re rolling at the moment,” said Marwood.

“Everyone is confident we can get the win. We know they’ll be strong, but we should be all right.

“I’m sure there will be a good few there after how the under-19s did and how close we got against Yorkshire away. I’m sure the word has got out.”