Former Barrow Raider Tom Loxam has opted to play in the amateur game this season and is set to make his debut for Barrow Island in tomorrow's Challenge Cup tie with Rhondda Outlaws at Rating Lane.

Island coach Joe Elliott said “Tom's work prevents him staying with Barrow, as he is off-shore and can't fully commit to the semi-pro game.

"He is a fine signing for the club and he has the right kind of attitude to do well. Also back for another spell with us is another former Barrow player, Lee Haney.

"Lee has been around and he is going well in training and helping the younger players.”

Elliott and his squad are looking forward to hosting the Outlaws in what will be their first-run out as they prepare for another season in Division Two of the National Conference League.

But potentially missing out are Ben Garner and Carl McBain who may be having their second run out with Barrow, who entertain North Wales Crusaders on Sunday.

Definitely out against the Welsh champions is half-back Adam Jackson who is on a four-week trial at Betfred League One side Rochdale Hornets.

However, a third Island player who was in action for Barrow last week against Oldham - Sam Jones - has opted to play for the Island. Jones is part of the furniture at Rating Lane and a prolific points scorer over the years.

“Sam has decided to play with us, he is a top notch player one who hardly ever misses training or a game, he is so dedicated and he has the right attitude,” said Elliott.

Also back at Rating Lane is speedy winger Jonathan Walsh, who spent last year with Workington Town. Further additions are Noah Robinson from Millom and centre Nathan Sneesby from Hindpool Tigers.

Elliott added: “We know nothing about the Outlaws and maybe they know nothing about us, so it should be an interesting game for both.

"I hear they mean business, you can see there outlook by coming up today and staying over until Sunday.

"They will get a warm welcome and hopefully a big crowd for what will be our first game against a Welsh side.

"We will be a little ring rusty, but we have prepared well and all the lads have put their hands up, so some will be disappointed.”

Island will select from Stockdale, Walsh, Sneesby, Haney, Jones, Moore, Irvine, Josh McBain, Sanderson,Clegg, Nicholson, Nelson, Mallinson, Robinson, Sutherland, Bartlett, Parkinson, McEwan, Loxam, Brown, Corrie, Reid, Josh Banham, with the match kicking off at 1:30pm.