PAUL Crarey is in no doubt it was still the right decision for Barrow Raiders to put on a boxing night involving the club’s players after Gareth Hock sustained a shoulder injury which requires surgery.

The Raiders’ high-profile recruit for the 2019 Betfred Championship season suffered a tear in his top-of-the-bill contest and is set to undergo surgery next month, with a return provisionally pencilled in for the end of April or beginning of May.

Barrow chairman Steve Neale spoke at the club’s sponsors night last Friday of how he felt it was still the right thing to put on the event, which raised significant funds for the club and charity.

Head coach Crarey echoed that view, although he understands some will be critical of the decision in the wake of Hock’s injury.

“There is probably a bit of stick going around because we did the boxing, but it raised a lot of money and without that we’d have nothing,” said Crarey.

“Gareth put his hand up, he wanted to do it and it was just so unfortunate it happened, but we’ve dealt with it and he’ll be in for an operation and be back within four months, which is outstanding.

“He’ll be like a new player coming back, and it will be at a time when the likes of Shane Toal and Luke Cresswell are coming back.

“Hopefully we’ll have Jarrad back for the first game of the season and he’s a big miss, but Bradd Crellin did well against Oldham and the three edge players did.”

The Raiders have, however, been able to bolster their pack with the recent signing of former Salford Red Devils and Hull Kingston Rovers forward Jordan Walne.

Papua New Guinean trio Stargroth Amean, Wartovo Puara Jr and Willie Minoga have now linked up with the squad too, although Crarey cautioned not to expect too much from them too soon as they adapt to life in England.

“They’ve got to be given time as well,” said Crarey.

“They’ll come in and do a really good job for us, but they’ve got to be given time.

“Like I’ve said, it’s about progression and being a good Championship team, and against Oldham we didn’t show that.

“There were reasons for that and Oldham will always complete well because of their style of play.”