DEON Cross is, in many ways, the archetypal sort of player Paul Crarey likes to bring to Barrow Raiders.

With a grounding in a full-time environment from his time in the youth system at St Helens, the attitude to have worked his way back into the professional game after returning amateur ranks following his release from the Super League side and the raw potential show at Rochdale Hornets last season, it is no surprise head coach Crarey was eager to bring the three-quarter to Craven Park.

Cross’ performances for St Helens amateurs Blackbrook during the 2017 National Conference League season led to their coach, former Rochdale player Ant Walker, to recommend him to then-Hornets head coach Alan Kilshaw for an ultimately successful trial.

A string of impressive displays in a struggling Rochdale team during the 2018 Betfred Championship season attracted Crarey’s attention too and he was one of Barrow’s first new recruits for next year.

It all began with that time at Blackbrook though and Cross is hoping he could one day follow ex-Raiders Joe Bullock back into the top flight.

“It was a really good experience (at Blackbrook),” said Cross. “I played against some good teams and challenged myself against the best players.

“When I left Saints, I’d got some more experience. You learn new stuff whether it’s out on the field or in the gym, and I picked up my skill a bit.

“I kept it going down at Blackbrook in the open age and progressed onto Rochdale, had a season there and now I’m here.

“You look at what Paul has done with ex-players. He’s passed players onto Wigan and Super League clubs, so hopefully I can follow in their footsteps and learn some things off a new coach.”

Cross and his Rochdale team-mates had to endure plenty of challenges during the 2018 season, with the club suffering from financial problems and spending much of the season in the bottom two of the division before being granted a reprieve from relegation when the decision was taken to expand the Championship to 14 teams from 2019.

But despite the team’s struggles, Cross made a big impression in his 27 appearances during the year, which included scoring 11 tries.

And he is in no doubt the experiences of being in that position have stood him in good stead for the future.

“It makes you mentally tougher and makes you want to go out there week in, week out and try your best, even if it’s at a struggling club,” said Cross.

“I still enjoyed it and it wasn’t a bad season to finish with. We managed to stay, so it was good in the end.”

Cross had his first training session with his new Raiders team-mates last Saturday and his immediate target is to ensure he secures a starting berth in the Barrow back-linen.

“I found it good,” said Cross. “I’ve really settled in with the lads and I’ve felt at home already. I met all the lads a couple of weeks ago and it’s good.

“My goal is to try to cement myself in the starting team and get that shirt week in, week out.

“There are some quality lads who have come in, so it’s keeping me on my toes and it’s going to make me play to the best of my ability. I need to make sure I’m training hard and getting those extras in.”