We seem to have ground to a halt a little with our signings. We are in advanced talks with one of our remaining players from last season that we are confident of getting over the line, whilst one or two others have had offers that they are disappointed with and are weighing up their options.

We have had to be careful with what we have been able to offer and the fact that we can register ten amateurs on dual registration means that we hold at least some of the aces.

Paul Crarey has identified most of those amateurs and they will be invited along to training, perhaps with one or two others. It is important we do this properly and fully engage with the amateur clubs.

We definitely don’t want to upset the amateur game and Paul will make sure he has had conversations with the coaches about their players’ development.

I went to the Barrow and District meeting last week as it is important that we don’t do things behind their back. Whilst they weren’t fully in the dark about dual registration, I was able to tell them what correspondence the professional clubs have had from the RFL on this matter.

They were then able to make a couple of informed calls and I think everyone now understands the rules.

We can also dual register two of our players with the North West Men’s League clubs now that we are in League One. It is important that players aren’t sat idle each week as it does nothing for their esteem or morale.

When I played, we had a full A team fixture list and on many occasions amateur players were called up to fill the gaps.

It was a good opportunity for them to compete at a higher level and it allowed Barrow to keep their fringe or returning injured players happy.

I was invited to present some trophies for the Hindpool rugby club on Friday and it was wonderful to see so many youngsters playing our game. The Hindpool club should be applauded for the way they have boosted numbers season on season.

It is vitally important for Barrow Raiders that the junior clubs in the area continue to flourish. Without that conveyor belt of talent, then I’m sure Barrow Raiders would quickly falter.

It isn’t just the players that come through from the amateur game but these are our supporters of today and tomorrow.

One of the reasons we do our Kids Go Free initiative is because we want youngsters to see and be attracted to such a great game.

If they then decide they want to play for a junior side then we both win.

It is no surprise that Australia have dominated rugby league for the whole of my lifetime. It is simply a numbers game, thousands more youngsters play the game and have the opportunity.

At least our area has lots of hard-working junior clubs that give that opportunity and long may it continue.