Barrow Raiders have signed forward Delaine Gittens-Bedward until the end of the 2024 Betfred Championship season.
Gittens-Bedward has penned terms with the club after a successful trial period which saw him named as 18th man against Oldham in the Betfred Challenge Cup and feature off the bench against Wakefield Trinity in the 1895 Cup quarter-finals.
The 22-year-old has impressed head coach Paul Crarey and his coaching staff over recent weeks and will now remain at the club until the end of the season to further his development.
Prior to making the switch to Barrow, Gittens-Bedward featured for London Skolars and Midlands Hurricanes and also enjoyed a brief stint in the London Broncos academy.
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“I’m extremely excited, and what an opportunity I’ve been given for these last two months, getting to know the boys and learning the systems in place here,” he said.
“I’ve also managed to live with some familiar friends from my London Broncos days, which has been essential in helping me out along the journey.
“Although I’m here to learn and soak up as much information as I can, my ultimate goal is to compete and help the side in any way I can.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity the club has given me. Cresta has given me the time and patience I haven’t been given elsewhere, which has really made me want to buy in even more.
“I’m hoping that with more guidance and time, I’ll be able to make an impact for the Raiders. I want to bring the best version of myself to this club, making sure I’m doing extras as much as possible to benefit the team when my chance comes.”
Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey said: “Delaine approached us through his good friend Ramon Silva and asked if he could train with us, with a view to having a trial game.
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“Delaine has really applied himself in training and made his debut when thrown in at the deep end against Wakefield, where he did really well.
“He has continued to train hard and shown a willingness to learn and get better. This excellent attitude has earned him a contract for the rest of the season, and we look forward to him being part of our squad.”
Director of rugby Andy Gaffney said: “Over the last few weeks, Delaine has impressed us all with his desire to buy into what we’re doing at Barrow Raiders and continue his personal development on the field.
“We know that he still has plenty to learn, but with the support of the coaching team in place at the club, we are sure that Delaine will be a real asset for the club as the 2024 season progresses.”
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