Prop Callum Bustin signs for Barrow Raiders

The 23-year-old prop forward has made a name for himself through his strong carrying ability and his all-round game.

Raiders' director of rugby Andy Gaffney has spoken of his excitement at the signing after last week hinting that there could be a newcomer on the horizon.

"His name came about through an agent and we asked the manager if he wanted him and he said yes," he said.

"He is a great player to have been in the squad at London Broncos, Newcastle Thunder and, up until his spell at Yorkshire Carnegie, Bradford Bulls.

"He is 6ft 2in and is still a young lad and he still has a lot going for him.

"We needed another prop and it looks like he could be one of our main players for this season.

"I think what he liked about us was our aspirations to move on up and the desire to achieve, as well as the club’s ethos in terms of community building.

"It is a great platform for the Super League here as well; we have had many come from around here making it in the top division, and we don't stop a player's progression.

"You cannot stand in the way of people's aspirations.

SIGNING: New Barrow Raiders player Callum Bustin

"But in the next few seasons we hope to be one of the clubs where people are aspiring to be at like the Super League and top-level Championship clubs.

"The club is a great environment at the moment and I am sure he will be a crowd favourite."

Gaffney went on to say how the crowd can expect to see plenty of yards gained through Bustin's grit and determination to get over the gain-line, as well as danger from his ability to get a hand free to offload in the tackle.

He has been nicknamed 'The Bear', for which he was well-loved at his former club of Bulls where he put in some stellar performances.

His time in rugby union got cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic but now he is looking to get back into the game after switching codes once again.

Bustin still has plenty of time left in his career to improve his game and Andy Gaffney is sure that with 'top-drawer' players like the Walne brothers in the team to learn from, he is likely to be even better in the near future.