Barrow Raiders' plans to bounce back into the Betfred Championship at the first time of asking next season have been given an early boost by the news Stargroth Amean and Wartovo Puara have signed new contracts for the 2020 season.

The Papua New Guinea internationals combined to great effect by both getting on the scoresheet in the Raiders' 24-16 victory against Batley Bulldogs last Sunday, which was their final match before they drop into League One next year.

Amean and Puara, who signed for Barrow last autumn, will both be flying back home this week to spend the winter with their families before returning for pre-season friendly in January.

Head coach Paul Crarey is delighted to have secured two of his key men for another year, saying: "I don't think they're interested in money, I just think they like the club.

"I know Star was offered a lot of money a few years ago to go to Featherstone for a lot more money, but he's been to clubs before and not been happy.

"It's about them being happy and they've been great for us, really - Watts Puara never misses a training session, plays every single game, he's never injured.

"Star has been unlucky with a couple of chops that have got him for a few weeks, but they're durable, very tough and skilful.

"It took them a while to settle in, but once they settled in, they were really good and it's a major plus in our rebuild."

In a season where Barrow were ravaged by injuries, Puara was a near-constant presence at hooker, while Amean proved to be a revelation when moved into the centres midway through the campaign.

Crarey said: "He scored a try out of nothing on Sunday with his footwork and then he created one for Wattsy on a short ball, so they combine well. They've good blokes as well, really nice people, and they just want to play for a club that's done well for them."