Recently, Barrow Raiders forward Bradd Crellin made the decision to retire from professional rugby league.
After calling time on a career spanning over 13 years, we sat down with the ever-consistent second-rower to discuss his favourite Raiders memories and what comes next…
In case you missed it, here is part one!
Bradd, how enjoyable have you found it seeing the club grow in recent years?
It’s great seeing the club grow, both on and off the field. It’s massive for the area as well.
You look at our attendances over the last couple of seasons, especially this year towards the back end of the season when we racked up a load of wins. You’re getting good numbers down there, and the amount of kids that are coming down to watch now from when I first signed, compared to the last two or three years, is unbelievable.
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I know they’re doing a lot of work in the schools with Anton, Ellis and Tee, who go around doing the activity and community things, and it’s all about getting them down to the ground and giving them people to look up to when they come to Craven Park on a Sunday.
With the marquee as well, every time I see it at training or when I go past when I’m in Barrow, it always gets people in there and there’s always something going on.
The club is going in the right direction and it’s something I’m looking forward to watching from the sidelines. It’s definitely in safe hands.
You’ve obviously been on quite a journey with the club, making just short of a century of appearances. Which moments stand out for you during your time in Raiders colours?
After eight years at the club, there are a lot of standout moments but one for me in particular was back in 2017 where we played Whitehaven in the League 1 Grand Final for promotion.
It was against my old club, so it was a massive game for myself. It was also probably the first big game I had played in for Barrow at the time.
It came down to that game really for promotion, and I remember Craven Park being absolutely packed with a great atmosphere.
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The weather wasn’t the best, up to our ankles in mud! It was one of those games where you had to go forward and make as many yards as you can.
There wasn’t too much skill involved in it, but out of all the moments throughout the eight years I spent at Barrow, the first one that comes to mind is definitely the win against Whitehaven at Craven Park.
What does the future hold for Bradd Crellin?
A future for me away from Barrow is family time, work and rugby league.
For the last few years now, I’ve been helping out at Millom Mini Rugby, coaching a couple of age groups.
IN PICTURED: Bradd Crellin’s Raiders career
Next year I’ll be coaching the Under 7s, which my youngest son plays in, and I’ll be helping out with the Under 12s, which my eldest son plays in.
I’ve also been helping out with Millom Open Age this year, doing a bit of coaching with them which will continue next season. I’ll probably even get the boots on for them when I can.
I’m starting a new job, too, so I’ll play when I can. Away from rugby it’ll be work and family time.
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