Barrow Raiders half-back Brad Walker is hoping Sunday’s pre-season friendly outing at home to Hunslet will put the squad in the best possible frame of mind for their upcoming return to competitive action.

The Raiders welcome the Betfred League 1 side to Craven Park this weekend as they look to round off pre-season preparations with a third successive win.

Walker, whose return to his hometown club on a two-year deal was confirmed last month, has been chosen as Man of the Match in each of the club’s opening two friendly wins against Rochdale Hornets and North Wales Crusaders.

Nevertheless, speaking after their 32-18 triumph over North Wales, he was keen to pay tribute to those around him on the field.

RESERVE: Euro 2024 benches

“It was good to get the win,” he said. “We were a bit rusty and still working on combinations, but it’s always going to be like that during the second game of the year.

“I don’t think I deserved Man of the Match to be honest – one of the middles did. Doing 80 minutes in a game like that is pretty tough, so I’d like to give a big wrap to those guys.

“There’s a lot to work on. There’ll be times this year when we might be low on numbers and playing in positions that we don’t really want to, but playing games like today help you later on in the year when things happen like losing players.

“When you’re in November and December running up hills, you’re praying for days like this.

“As long as I’m out there playing with a ball in my hand, I’m happy. A win always helps too!”

Attention swiftly turns to the visit of Hunslet, who finished the regular season second in League 1 last year before losing out to North Wales in the play-off preliminary final.

SHOP NOW: Raiders merchandise

It will be a final run-out for Paul Crarey’s squad before competitive rugby returns with a trip to local rivals Workington Town in the 1895 Cup group stages the following week, on Sunday 28 January.

Looking ahead to their meeting with Hunslet, Barrow-born Walker added: “I’m looking forward to it, hopefully another tough challenge.

“Like Cresta said, the North Wales game was a lot harder than against Rochdale, and hopefully the next one is tough as well.

“There are a lot of learning curves for us, then it’s away at Workington where we can hopefully get another win.”

Join the Raid in 2024 – season tickets are on sale now!