Barrow Raiders’ head coach Paul Crarey is eager for his team to maintain their strong start to the season as they currently sit at the top of the Championship standings. The team has surprised many by securing three wins from their first four matches, including a notable 18-8 victory over the highly regarded Bradford Bulls.
This turnaround marks a significant improvement for Barrow, especially considering they narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing just one point and one place above the relegation play-off zone in 2024. Crarey has expressed satisfaction with how his team is performing, describing it as a remarkable shift in momentum.
“We’ve got a really well-rounded squad this year,” Crarey said during an interview with BBC Radio Cumbria. “There may be weeks where we reflect on poor performances, but at this moment, the conversation is all about how well we’ve been playing. It’s crucial that we continue riding this wave of success and use it to build confidence.”
In the past few seasons, Barrow’s performance has been inconsistent. After finishing fourth in 2022, they experienced a drop, ending up in 10th place in 2023, and then 11th last season. However, the team’s current form is in stark contrast to the previous years, and Crarey is focused on capitalizing on this momentum to further build a competitive side.
The Championship division is home to several teams with former Super League pedigree, including Bradford, Toulouse, Widnes Vikings, and Halifax Panthers. Despite the fierce competition, Crarey has made it clear that Barrow is not intimidated by the presence of these higher-profile clubs. He believes his players have the ability and determination to upset the odds and continue to challenge the established teams.
“We have no fear when it comes to facing anyone, and we’re not scared to take on any team,” Crarey said. “We came to Bradford and pulled off an incredible result. The team showed up, gave it everything, and came away with the win.”
Crarey’s positive mindset is evident, and he has instilled a strong sense of belief in his squad. He recognizes that staying at the top of the table will require consistency and hard work, but he is confident in the ability of his players to meet the challenge head-on. The key for Barrow will be maintaining their current level of performance and continuing to exceed expectations as they aim for a strong season in the Championship.