Barrow Raiders winger Tee Ritson has challenged his side to play without fear this Saturday when they face York Knights in the third round of the Betfred Challenge Cup.
The newly-promoted Betfred Super League side will visit the Northern Competitions Stadium on Saturday evening (6pm kick-off), with a place in the last 16 at stake.
It will also be the first time the Raiders have met Super League opposition competitively since 2022, when they ran Huddersfield Giants all the way in the Challenge Cup before falling to a 30-16 defeat.
An unbeaten start to the season has seen the Raiders win all three of their matches in league and cup, with points difference seeing them lead the way at the top of the Betfred Championship.
And heading into Saturday’s cup outing, Ritson says the Raiders must build on the positives of recent weeks to give themselves the best chance of victory.
“As always, Cresta [Paul Crarey] wants us playing good and expansive rugby,” he said.
“Just because it’s a much bigger challenge this week, he still didn’t want us going in our shells as we play best when we express ourselves.
“We’ve highlighted some areas from the past few games where we need to improve, and also brought in some new ideas which we think can help us. This week is the perfect time to put those ideas into practice.
“We’ve had some really good results to kick-start our season, but everyone’s keeping their feet firmly on the ground.
“We know that there are going to be much bigger challenges ahead in the season and it’s important that we don’t get carried away and ensure we are focused for those challenges.
“The game against York is probably going to be the best indicator we’ve had so far as to whereabouts we are as a team.”
Ritson is one of seven members of the current Raiders first team squad to have played in the club’s Challenge Cup tie against Huddersfield four years ago.
He also scored twice on that day, in what was his final season in Barrow colours before earning a move to Super League heavyweights St Helens for the 2023 campaign.
Back at the Raiders for 2026, Ritson admits he is more determined than ever to create new memories and make Saturday a night to remember.
“It was a memorable game and a memorable day as a whole for numerous reasons,” he added.
“The occasion was huge for us and it was broadcast on the BBC too. I remember there was a real buzz around the town at the time, particularly because of how well we started the season.
“It was a great opportunity for us to go toe-to-toe with some of the best players in the game, and I think we all gave a great account of ourselves on that day and we were very much in the game until the latter stages.
“I won’t forget the atmosphere during and after the game: it was electric. Hopefully we can fill the ground on Saturday night and show exactly what we’re about, on and off the pitch.”
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