Barrow Raiders hooker Connor Saunders believes the squad need to push last weekend’s defeat at Featherstone Rovers to the back of their minds as they prepare to lock horns with Keighley Cougars on Sunday afternoon.
It proved to be a tough trip to the Betfred Championship leaders last time out, with Sean Long’s side recording a 64-6 win.
That result, coupled with Swinton Lions’ hard-fought win at Keighley, saw the Raiders drop back into the bottom two with 13 rounds played.
Nevertheless, Saunders insists that the squad have what it takes to recover quickly, prepare well and put their best foot forward against the Cougars.
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“It was always going to be a tough game for us as a team,” he said.
“We went to Featherstone as massive underdogs. They’re building foundations to go into Super League, and we were always going to be up against it.
“Being within the squad, I know that we are capable of competing against the top teams. I played against Bradford, and they’re a top, established team in this division, full of quality players who we managed to contain.
“Keighley are down with us near the bottom. They’re in the fight [for survival], so this weekend is a massive game for us.
“If we can get a result we’re back in the mix again, and we’re going into this game looking to get those competition points. Even looking ahead to Widnes, the next two games are vital and we need to target two wins from those matches.
“If we stick to our game plan against Keighley, I’m very confident that we can get a positive result.”
On a personal note, Saunders has made four appearances for the Raiders this season, winning two of those matches.
He is currently competing for the hooker spot alongside Nathan Mossop and Josh Wood, and Saunders knows he needs to perform when given the opportunity to do so by head coach Paul Crarey, as he enjoys his first year as a professional with the Raiders.
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“I’ve had to bide my time a little bit, especially when Mossy came back from injury,” he admitted.
“I got a chance to go to Whitehaven to get some game time, then Cresta wanted me back for the Bradford game. I put a performance in and we got the result, so I’ve just got to take my chances when they come, especially when it’s my first season on contract.
“My time will come. I’ve just got to push to get as many games as I can under my belt and show what I can do.”
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