Half-back Ryan Johnston is the latest player to pledge his future to Barrow Raiders after he signed a new one-year deal with the club yesterday.

Johnston is one of the young, local players Raiders head coach Paul Crarey is looking to build around, alongside the likes of Jake Carter, Adam Ford and new signing Connor Terrill.

After struggling for game time on occasion this year, the 22-year-old can expect to see a lot more action in Betfred League One next season, as Barrow look to win promotion back into the Championship at the first time of asking.

He’ll face competition for his place in the side from Carter and the more experienced Jamie Dallimore, while talks over a potential new deal for Lewis Charnock, who has had such a disrupted two years due to injury and suspension, are ongoing.

Rugby director Andy Gaffney said: “Ryan has got a real chance next season because as things stand we’re only going with him Dalli and Jake and I’m glad that he’s signed.

“Myself and Cresta went round to his house the other night to speak to him, sat him down, had a really good talk and got a lot of good things across - he had something to say, we had something to say.

“Now he’s full focused and we just can’t wait for him to get started now because it could be a very big year for him.

“The likes of Ryan are going to be a big part of the club’s future for the next ten years. He’s got all the skills needed; pace, that bit of trickery, some good defence. He’s got everything in his makeup and it’s a good time for him to come in now.”

Johnston, who began with amateur club Dalton, has made 33 appearances for Barrow since becoming the first player to sign up from the club’s academy side, the Furness Raiders.

He played 12 times in the 2019 season, with his standout performance coming in the 1895 Cup quarter final against Leigh Centurions, where he scored a try and kicked three goals in a last-second 19-18 defeat at St Helens.

Gaffney said: “He played great in that game. It was a really professional display and he’ll get plenty of opportunities this time around, as will Jake and Jamie as well.

“We’re just looking at them three, we’re not looking at bringing in any more, so it’s up to them, really, to make the most of their chances.”