Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey is riding high after his team’s impressive 18-8 victory over the heavily favored Bradford Bulls in the Championship. The win marked the Raiders’ third success in four games, propelling them to the top of the league table. This remarkable start to the season is a significant turnaround for the team, which narrowly avoided relegation last year, finishing just one point and one place above the relegation play-off spot.
Crarey attributes the team’s success to their well-balanced squad, which has been performing consistently well. He emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum, stating, “We’ve got to ride that wave and breed confidence.” The Raiders’ head coach is aware that there will be weeks when the team’s performance may not be as strong, but for now, he is focused on building on their current success.
Barrow’s recent history in the Championship has been marked by inconsistency, finishing fourth in 2022, 10th in 2023, and 11th last season. However, Crarey’s team is defying expectations this season, and their surprise win over Bradford Bulls is a testament to their determination and skill. The head coach acknowledged that his team is not intimidated by the more fancied ex-Super League sides in the division, including Toulouse, Widnes Vikings, and Halifax Panthers.
Crarey’s men are embracing the underdog spirit, and their fearless approach is paying off. The head coach stated, “We’re not afraid of anyone, and we’re not afraid to play. We’ve come here, given it our best shot, and come out on the right end of the scoreline.” This mentality has been instrumental in the team’s success, and Crarey is eager to see his players continue to push themselves and defy expectations.
As the season progresses, Barrow Raiders will face numerous challenges, but with their current momentum and fearless attitude, they are well-equipped to make a significant impact in the Championship. Crarey’s leadership and the team’s determination have created a winning formula, and they will be looking to maintain their top spot in the league table.