EASTER is all about celebrating the resurrection, but there was no Raiders resurrection to celebrate on Easter Monday after the last-gasp draw against winless Swinton Lions following a disappointing defeat at Halifax on Good Friday.

Head coach Paul Crarey decided to rest a number of regulars at the Shay with one eye on the Swinton game – a sound rationale, enabling fringe players to get game-time and Championship experience.

I was on commentary duty and, although the first half was competitive, the second was a bit of a procession as Fax dominated and won comfortably.

Halifax are going through transition, and head coach Richard Marshall was a relieved man after consecutive defeats against League One Oldham in the Challenge Cup and Toulouse.

Having seen Halifax a number of times over the last few years, this team isn’t a patch on those which have gone before, and I fancy our chances at Craven Park later in the season with a full-strength team.

So the stage was set for a comprehensive victory on Monday, with the return of the regulars including Jamie Dallimore, who had been significantly missed.

The weather was poor once again, but I was surprised by attendance wasn’t higher (1,133).

Traditionally, bank holiday crowds are always better than average, but the times they are a changing and, as I have said many times, we must attract new support to have a successful, sustainable future.

Drawing with Swinton won’t help, but the Lions played very well, even without regulars Andy Bracek, Matt Sarsfield, Mike Butt and Gabriel Fell. In came Wigan dual-registration players Craig Mullen and Liam Paisley. This concept needs to be sorted out and is becoming a real frustration for clubs like Barrow, who are determined to grow with long-term locals rather than short-term ringers.

Today, it’s a trip to France to play Toulouse Olympique.

Toulouse went top of the league last Friday after their impressive win in London, but came unstuck against the Wolfpack on Easter Monday.

I watched the game on TV, and Toulouse came back from 24-6 down to almost snatch a draw, failing to convert the last on the final whistle.

Toulouse aren’t the biggest team, but they are very quick in attack and Barrow must be prepared for the expansive rugby they will face.

This is the first of four very tough games, with Featherstone (H) next week, then Toronto (H) in the Challenge Cup and Leigh Centurions (A).

This is why we are in the Championship, and we must refocus on high-standard performances like the Leigh victory to demonstrate to the RFL that we belong in this league during an uncertain period of debate about the future structure of the game.

As Super League looks to grow and the game seeks to expand, the landscape of the top-flight could change dramatically within the next few years.

There are five prospective franchises that would positively influence the sport’s long-term future.

Wigan owner Ian Lenegan recently revealed to the Australian press that there had been discussions about a Perth team joining Super League now there is a direct flight to London.

As mentioned last week, New York City are in the running, and there is also movement in Ireland and Cornwall.

Last but not least, there is Cumbria with Marwan Koukash. I have not had any reply yet to my invitation for a chat, and probably never will.

Allegedly he is a guest of Workington tomorrow, as they take on the Bradford Bulls, with the chatter suggesting he is looking at a West Cumbrian franchise.

Whatever happens, we must ensure that the voice of Barrow is heard loud and clear.