Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey has issued a passionate rallying cry to supporters ahead of their showdown with York City Knights tomorrow (kick-off 3pm). With Barrow aiming for their fourth victory in five games, Crarey is urging the home crowd to recreate the electric atmosphere that helped them secure a vital win against Oldham two weeks ago.
“We need that incredible noise from the fans again,” said Crarey. “Against Oldham, our defensive line was under immense pressure for most of the second half, but with the crowd behind us, the lads held firm and got the job done.”
The 20-6 victory over an in-form Oldham side was fueled by the vocal backing of over 2,000 fans, something Crarey believes made a huge difference. “The players worked tirelessly and followed that up with another massive win at Odsal, beating Bradford 18-8 on a Friday night,” he added. “That’s three wins at their ground in four seasons, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team.”
Crarey praised his squad’s defensive effort, highlighting that they conceded just three tries across their last two matches against strong opposition. He also singled out several key players for their work rate, particularly Jarrad Stack, who, at 37 years old, made an impressive 48 tackles last week. Other standout performances included Tom Walker (45 tackles), Josh Wood (40), Ryan King (35), Ellis Robson (32), and Alex Bishop (31).
“I’m really impressed with Bishop since he joined from Keighley,” Crarey noted. “He’s a smart player, tough in defense like Josh Wood, and Ryan Johnston is also getting back to his best.”
Looking ahead to their opponents, Crarey dismissed any notion that York are a bottom-four side, despite their slow start to the season. “They only just got their first win last week at Batley, but they’re a quality team. They had a similar slow start last year before turning things around, and they have an excellent coach in Mike Applegarth.”
Barrow will welcome back Andrew Bulman, Brad Walker, and Aaron Smith for the clash, but they will be without Matty Costello (calf), Kavan Rothwell (HIA), and potentially Jamie Pye, who may be recalled by Salford Red Devils due to their ongoing financial crisis.
“We’re waiting to see if Jamie will be available,” Crarey explained. “Salford are short on numbers due to financial constraints, and some of their highest-paid players can’t play. Meanwhile, it’s a big boost to have Aaron Smith back, as he provides excellent cover for Josh Wood, who continues to be a workhorse despite picking up a knock at Bradford.”
York also have their own injury concerns, with key full-back Will Dagger sidelined for over three months due to a thigh injury. Additionally, former NRL and Tongan international Ata Hingano is out with a fractured hand, while Connor Fitzsimmons will miss the next eight weeks with a calf problem.
However, Applegarth has reinforcements at his disposal, including Ireland international James Farrer, who arrived from Hull KR this year, and Jack Potter, another Hull KR product who can slot into the halves. On the wing, York boasts the experienced Ben Jones-Bishop.
The key playmaker for the Knights will be former Wakefield and Castleford hooker Paul McShane, while scrum-half Liam Harris will also pose a significant threat. One notable absentee is Askam-born former Love Island contestant Jacques O’Neill, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
With both teams having plenty to play for, Barrow will be hoping their home crowd once again provides the inspiration needed to secure another crucial win.