ANDREW Dawson admitted it had been a tough decision to leave Barrow Raiders, but says he goes having achieved all of his ambitions at the club.

The 28-year-old decided to leave following the Raiders’ promotion to the Kingstone Press Championship after moving to live with his partner, who is expecting their first child in March, and possible changes to his work rota at Sellafield.

Former Millom amateur Dawson is grateful for having the opportunity to play professionally for Barrow, and leaves after a season where he was part of the team which lifted the League One Cup and faced Leeds Rhinos at Headingley in the Challenge Cup.

“It wasn’t easy because I’ve been there for six years,” said Dawson. “I started my pro career there and it’s what I wanted to do when I was playing for Millom.

“I had the target of playing for Barrow just to test myself at the highest level I could and I’ve got to be thankful Darren Holt signed me to do that, and I’ve achieved everything I want to at the club.

“The main one was to play a Super League side, which I did this year against Leeds, and had the added bonus of silverware in the Blackpool final.

“I’m leaving achieving everything I wanted to do, but I’ve got to make decisions for my family now.

“The dynamic has changed; it’s not just about me living at home, I’ve got a family to provide for.”

In total, Dawson racked up 120 appearances for the Raiders after making his debut in a Northern Rail Cup tie away to Leigh Centurions in 2012, scoring five tries as well.

And while he has had offers to continue his playing career at a professional level, the prop’s primary focus is on what to expect when he becomes a father.

“It’s definitely into the unknown and it will be a crash-course in looking after the baby,” joked Dawson.

“I’m still a free agent, so rugby-wise I’m undecided, but it could be a mixture of managing everything, which is a new challenge in itself.

“There are offers on the table, I won’t lie, but I’m just biding my time and seeing what unfolds in front of me, and I’ll just decide where to go from there.”

Dawson’s fellow prop Brad Brennan is set to leave Barrow as well.

He made a total of 53 appearances and scored eight tries, and spent the second half of the 2017 season on loan at Coventry Bears.