RUGBY stars from halfway across the world have been using their journey into the sport to inspire Barrow youngsters.

The club’s commitment to community liaison has led to three new Barrow Raiders stars taking a tour of schools across the town.

Wartova Puara, Willie Minoga and Stargroth Amean have brought a new culture to the classroom thanks to the club’s schools and community liaison officer Siona Hartley who organises the visits.

The trio, who hail from Papua New Guinea, started their playing career at Raiders in January and adjusting to life in Barrow has been as challenging as some of their toughest games.

Youngsters at Greengate Junior School have been among the lucky ones to benefit from a visit which highlighted the cultural differences between Barrow and the Pacific nation.

In a bid to encourage children to get involved in physical activity, and swap their Playstations for play in the great outdoors, the Raiders stars also led a series of sports sessions.

Greengate pupil and rugby fan Christopher was so overwhelmed when the three walked into the assembly room that he announced to teachers he was determined to have his picture taken with them.

Year 4 teacher Neil Irving described how Siona Hartley told pupils how the three players had travelled more than 8,000 miles from their home to play for Raiders.

“They explained to the pupils all about life back home and showed showed everybody just how far away it is on a world map,” Mr Irving said.

“They talked in detail about their passion for Rugby League and their families back home.

“It was a fabulous whole school assembly and then the Year 4 children had an opportunity to develop their skills through some coaching and games organised by the players.

“It was a fabulous session and we are really looking forward to developing this link even further with the club in the future.

“It’s great to see the Raiders in schools and we are going to support them by taking more of our pupils to games in the coming months.”

The community liaison project run by Raiders.

Any schools which would like to request a visit from the players can contact Siona Hartley at the club on 01229 830470.

Contact can also be made via the club’s office between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday at the shop in Scott Street in Barrow town centre.