Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey is delighted to have retained the services of somebody who knows the club inside out in Nathan Mossop, after the long-serving hooker signed a new contract at Craven Park last week.

Aside from a spell with South Wales in 2012, Mossop has been with the Raiders since the 2009 season and has made 220 appearances for the club, serving as its vice-captain in recent years.

However, the 31-year-old was one of several players to have a tough time with injury that season, as he was limited to just 15 games, with all but one of those appearances coming from the bench.

His campaign was eventually ended by a torn muscle in his shoulder, but once he has recovered from the operation he had on that problem, he’ll be looking to win a second promotion to the Betfred Championship with the Raiders, after their relegation last month.

Crarey said: “It’s a culture thing with us and Mossy has got a good attitude, as have all the players we’ve signed, because attitude is a big thing.

“It’s very difficult to see how you’re going to go, but if you’ve got a good attitude and a good work ethic, it goes a long way for the club and as a player.

“He’s been unfortunate with injuries, and he’s a had a few injuries in the last few years - he had a bicep injury and he hurt himself again with his shoulder needing a little bit of work.

“He needed an operation, but that’s all sorted now and it’s a only a couple of weeks until he can start training again, so he’ll be ready for pre-season.”

Crarey is desperate for a full year from the likes of Mossop, Mark Duffy and Declan Hulme, saying: “We’ve been unlucky with rugby-forced injuries.”