Barrow Raiders winger Andrew Bulman believes their Round 1 victory over Hunslet has helped lay the platform for a positive season ahead.

Against newly-promoted opposition, the Raiders dominated from start to finish and ran in a total of seven tries during a 38-12 win – two of which were scored by Bulman as he took his tally for the calendar year into double figures across league, cup and friendly matches. 

The Raiders face a stern test away at Halifax Panthers in Round 2 – the Panthers also coming into this weekend off the back of an impressive result of their own at Sheffield Eagles. 

Reflecting on last Sunday’s performance, Bulman said: “It’s always good to start the season with a win. I thought we played some good rugby at times, and we were physical.

“With the way the league is formatted this year, with the middle 8s play-offs, you need to pick up as many points as possible, especially at home. There’s still plenty to work on, but it’s a really positive platform to build from.”

On his own rich vein of form, Bulman added: “The team are creating some great opportunities, and I’m just grateful to be in the right place to finish them off. 

“Credit to the lads around me – it’s been a great start. I’ve always said that if given the opportunities I can score tries, and hopefully there will be plenty more to come as the year progresses.”

Sunday’s trip to the Shay will be a tough one for the Raiders, who have lost each of their last four games against Halifax.

All of those matches have proven to be physical, high-scoring affairs, and Bulman is expecting something similar this time around as both teams look to maintain their 100% winning start to the Betfred Championship season.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge,” he admitted. 

“Halifax are a good side and will be a tough test, especially at their home ground, but if we stick to our game and build on last week’s performance, we’re confident we can get the job done.

“We’re a tight-knit group, and we knew we had to improve from the performance against Oldham in the Challenge Cup. 

“People pay to come watch us and they’re entitled to their opinions, and leading into Round 1, the focus was purely on ourselves and delivering the performance we know we’re capable of.”

Want to be in with a chance of winning our £25,000 jackpot? Click here to join the Raiders Lottery!