A memorable 2021 saw the Raiders secure automatic promotion to the Betfred Championship with a first-place finish. The Cumbrian side avoided any potential play-off scares with an emphatic 76-0 win against West Wales Raiders on the final day, taking home the League Leaders' Shield and rounding off the season in style.
Barrow's success was recognised at the 2021 RFL Awards, where they were deservedly crowned Betfred League 1 Club of the Year. The efforts of Tee Ritson were also commended with a nomination for Player of the Year, and he will be looking to carry on from where he left off in 2021, keen make his mark on the Betfred Championship.
Barrow are no strangers to the Championship, with a number of spells in the division. They'll fancy themselves in 2022 no doubt, and have already shown what they can do against Championship opposition in pre-season.
They kickstarted preparations for the new season with a 24-12 victory over neighbours Workington Town despite missing a number of first-team players, and were back at it a week later against Newcastle Thunder, the Raiders came out on top in an enthralling encounter, winning 34-22 after being 12-22 down at one stage.
Head Coach Paul Crarey will be pleased with his side's pre-season performances as they look ahead to their season opener on Saturday. Crarey has been at the helm since 2014, overseeing plenty of highs and lows, and it was his expertise that led the Raiders to Championship action for 2022.
He'll be more aware than anyone of the challenges posed by such a division, and will be hoping the additions they've made to an already talented squad can drive Barrow up the table.
Transfers in:
- Jarrod Sammut (London Broncos)
- Danny Langtree (Oldham)
- Josh Wood (Wakefield Trinity)
- Anton Iaria (Penrith Panthers NSW Cup)
- Ellis Gillam (Whitehaven)
- Sam Brooks (Swinton Lions)
Transfers out:
- Harry Swarbrick (North Wales Crusaders)
One to Watch
A pacy and evasive winger who came of age in 2021, Thailand-born Ritson enjoyed a superb season as Barrow Raiders stormed to the Betfred League One title.
The Raiders' number two scored an impressive 22 tries in just 17 appearances, bagging seven in his side's promotion-clinching tie with West Wales in September, and he will be keen to show his worth in the second tier as he and Barrow make their Championship return after two years away in 2022.
2022 FULL SQUAD:
Luke Cresswell, Tee Ritson, Dec Hulme, Hakim Miloudi, Shane Toal, Jarrod Sammut, Ryan Johnston, Adam Walne, Nathan Mossop, Carl Forster, Danny Langtree, Jarrad Stack, Jordan Walne, Jake Carter, Dan Toal, Tom Hopkins, Charlie Emslie, Bradd Crellin, Connor Terrill, Gary Wheeler, Ellis Gillam, Josh Wood, Sam Brooks, Anton Iaria, Danny Morrow, Ryan Shaw
The Raiders host Sheffield Eagles in their Betfred Championship season opener on Sunday, with kick-off at 15:00.
