Barrow Raiders have secured the services of one of the most consistent performers of their relegation season for another year after the back row Jono Smith signed a new contract with the club.

In a year where the Raiders suffered a catalogue of injuries, Smith was able to be a relative constant, with the exception being the spell out with a fractured cheekbone.

However, the fact that he came back from such an injury in just six weeks, rather than the expected two months, was a demonstration of the durability of the man named as The Mail’s Raiders Player of the Year.

In his two seasons at Craven Park so far, Smith has made himself a real fans’ favourite with Barrow’s fans, due to his consistently good performances and the explosive power that makes him arguably the most effective carrier at their disposal.

Rugby director Andy Gaffney said: “There were quite a lot of other clubs after him from whereabouts he lives, so for him to commit to us for another year and try and get us promoted is great for the club.

“Jono is a lovely character in the dressing room and is great to have around the place.

“He’s up there with the best carriers that we have at the club and he doesn’t make many mistakes during games - his stats are generally quite good.

“It’s just a big plus to have him with us again and hopefully he can push us towards promotion next year.”

Smith spent four seasons with North Wales Crusaders before signing for Rochdale Hornets, the club he joined the Raiders from for the 2018 season.

In his two years at Craven Park, he has made 46 appearances, scoring nine tries.