PAUL Crarey is aware Alec Susino could start attracting attention from higher-level clubs if he makes a flying start to life at Barrow Raiders.

Hopes are high the Italy international prop will be able to make an impact for Raiders in the Championship this year after making the switch from Australian club Mounties during the winter.

But much asthe club had to fend off enquiries about Joe Bullock and Lewis Charnock during their successful 2017 season, Barrow head coach Crarey knows scouts are likely to be watching Susino’s progress during his first year playing rugby league on these shores as well.

“The big thing is when we bring these players in, bigger clubs look at them,” said Crarey.

“I spoke to a Super League guy and they don’t take the chance on bringing them over, they monitor how good they are when they come over and pick them off. They don’t have to do any work then, they watch them mature and then pick them from the smaller clubs.”

The former Cronulla Sharks under-20s forward is likely to get his first run-out for his new club in Barrow’s opening pre-season game at home to Keighley Cougars this Sunday.

Although he has only been training with the team since December, Susino has already impressed Crarey with his fitness and his ability on the training ground.

“Alec Susino is very fit and he’s come in in very good condition – he’s one of the fittest there,” said Crarey.

“I was told before he came he has got a great attitude and I spoke to Dean Parata about how under-rated he is over there.

“We’ve done a lot of contact with him and sometimes he’s virtually unplayable off-loading the ball, and he runs so hard as well.

“He’s got a very strong upper body and works really hard at training, and he’s fitted right in with the lads and they’ve taken to him.”

Indeed, Susino’s fellow newcomers Parata, Glenn Riley and Jono Smith have made a positive impact since arriving at the club as well.

“They’ve been absolutely brilliant,” said Crarey. “They’ve come in in good nick and their attitude has been fantastic and when a new player comes in, it gives everybody a lift. They’ve come in at different times of pre-season and they bring something different because they’re quality players who have played at that level or higher.”