Barrow Raiders half-back Ryan Johnston admits competition for places is driving standards within the first team squad, which has improved his own game.
Johnston, who has been with the club since 2017, played a starring role last Sunday as the Raiders began pre-season with a comprehensive 10-try victory at home to North Wales Crusaders.
Fresh from signing a new one-year deal in November, the 24-year-old is ready to fight for his spot in the starting 13, with Jarrod Sammut, Jake Carter and new signing Ellis Archer also vying for a spot in the halves.
“No-one is irreplaceable, and that’s credit to Paul Crarey and the coaching staff for putting in a system where everyone can play,” he said.
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“It keeps the environment healthy and competitive, and I’m a firm believer that if you’re playing well enough, no matter what your name is, you deserve a shot in the team.
“Personally, I’ve had one of my best pre-seasons ever. I’m injury-free now and feel like I’m starting to play my best rugby again.
“Having the likes of young Ellis Archer, Jake Carter and Jarrod alongside you keeps you wanting to do well and not cut corners.
“Hopefully this year I’ll give Cresta no reason to drop me. I want to play every match this season.”
Johnston scored the Raiders’ first try of 2023, and he played a role in many others last weekend as pre-season got off to a flying start.
With two more friendlies to come this month – against local rivals Workington Town this Sunday then Super League side Wigan Warriors seven days later – Johnston is excited to see new partnerships develop ahead of the upcoming Betfred Championship season.
“It was good being back out there, especially playing alongside some of the young lads who’ve just signed and are starting their journey with Barrow,” he added.
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“It’s a great win, but there’s obviously room for improvement.
“We had four different half-backs and three different hookers so sometimes you do lose a bit of structure, but to score 52 points against a well-drilled side was pleasing.
“Ultimately these results mean nothing, so it gives us the perfect opportunity to trial new combinations and get things right ahead of those money rounds.
“We want to be ready knowing that everyone has had a game and knows what they’re doing, so when injuries inevitably crop up, the lads who aren’t starting every week are ready to put a shirt on and do a job for us.”
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