Exciting half-back Ellis Archer has joined Barrow Raiders on a permanent basis, on a deal initially running until the end of the 2026 season.
A former St Helens scholar who went on to make his Betfred Super League debut against Wakefield Trinity in August 2022, Archer returned to his hometown club ahead of the 2023 season and went on to feature five times.
He subsequently made the move to Cumbrian rivals Workington Town, where he has spent the last two seasons.
Archer joined first team training at the Raiders ahead of the 2026 campaign and impressed in the club’s pre-season friendlies.
The 21-year-old scored in the Raiders’ 40-0 victory over Workington in Round 1 of the Betfred Championship, before going on to add two further tries to his tally during last weekend’s Betfred Challenge Cup win at Wigan St Judes.
Archer will combine his playing duties with a sports coaching role within the club’s Advantage! Barrow Raiders Community Foundation, which he has held since the start of last year.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to get the chance to come back to Barrow and represent my hometown club,” he said.
“It’s the team I grew up coming to watch with my family, so to be able to represent them in 2026 means a lot to me.
“This season, the aim is to play as many games as I can. I don’t expect to play every game, with the quality of player we have at half-back already – Johno [Ryan Johnston], Brad Walker and Bish [Alex Bishop] – but I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got and grab this opportunity with both hands.”
Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey said: “It’s great news that Ellis Archer has agreed terms to become a permanent member of the squad for this season.
“Ellis took the opportunity to do all our pre-season work, and impressed everyone with his commitment and application. He has been outstanding in all our games so far and will be an asset to the squad, with lots more to come.”
Director of rugby Andy Gaffney said: “Ellis has always maintained a presence around the club, having spent a lot of time working in the local area championing mental wellbeing and encouraging the next generation to pick up a rugby ball.
“On the pitch, he has continued to develop his game and made a real impression on everyone during pre-season.
“Ellis’ arrival will provide us with further depth in the halves. He is a quality option to have, and I’m confident that he can have a big future at this club.”
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