Barrow Raiders captain Jarrad Stack is keen to see his side put in a big final performance this weekend as they look to confirm their Betfred Championship status for another season.
Despite the disappointment of last Saturday’s defeat at already-relegated Newcastle Thunder, the Raiders remain firmly in the driving seat in the fight for survival. Three teams – Whitehaven, Keighley Cougars and Swinton Lions – all sit a point below them in the league table with one round to go.
The Raiders welcome York RLFC Knights to the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium this Sunday, knowing that even a draw will likely see them remain in the second tier, given the superior points difference they hold over the teams below.
Despite their setback last time out, Stack insists the squad remain full of belief that they can get the job done against York.
BUY TICKETS: York RLFC Knights (H)
“We’re still feeling positive,” he said. “Last week was a real disappointment against Newcastle – they had nothing to lose and we are doing it tough with injuries at the moment.
“It’s not an excuse, we still should have got the win. It was upsetting not getting that victory and being able to repay the travelling fans with a good performance.
“However, the win against Swinton a couple of weeks ago has put us in a good position, and the mood in the camp is still really good.
“We are where we are in the table, and we’re still fighting as a team. The lads who have stepped up in recent weeks have really helped us out, and the Championship is tougher than ever this year.
“Hopefully we can go out there at home on the final day and finish things off with a win.”
The Raiders’ safety could be confirmed well before Sunday’s 3pm kick-off, with Whitehaven hosting Toulouse Olympique 24 hours earlier.
Nevertheless, Stack isn’t allowing himself or his team-mates to look at the sides around them when everything is still within the Raiders’ control.
“We’re going to go into this week at training worrying about ourselves, no-one else,” the 35-year-old insisted.
“If we go in with the mindset that things could go our way on Saturday, and Whitehaven manage to pull out a performance and beat Toulouse, the whole week for us would end up being wasted preparation.
“I do want to see Whitehaven stay up because it’s good for rugby in Cumbria, but if they don’t do their job, it will be a big sigh of relief ahead of the game against York.”
Sunday’s clash with the Knights will have consequences at both ends of the table, after a late, winning drop-goal against Batley Bulldogs on Monday night helping York keep their play-off hopes alive heading into the final round.
Stack knows what is at stake, but believes the squad need no added incentive to ensure they finish the season strongly.
SHOP NOW: 1983 retro range
“There’s plenty to play for at both ends of the table,” he said. “They want the final play-off spot and know that we’ll throw everything at them to try and win the game.
“We both need the points, but the least these Barrow fans deserve is for us to sign off with a good performance and a win.”
Sunday’s game is part of a double-header which will also see Barrow Raiders Ladies host Bradford Bulls Women in the Betfred Women’s Super League play-off semi-finals at midday.
Supporters are encouraged to come along and show their support for the ladies, with entry reduced to £5 before midday.
Will you win our £25,000 jackpot? Click here to join the Barrow Raiders Lottery!
