Barrow Raiders full-back Luke Broadbent believes it is crucial that the Raiders put in a good performance against Widnes Vikings this weekend.
Sunday’s trip to the DCBL Stadium will be the last game for the Raiders for a number of weeks. They have a blank week next week after being knocked out of the Betfred Challenge Cup in the last round, and then another week off due to the mid-season international break.
That means that by the time the Raiders host Bradford Bulls on Sunday 7 May, they will have gone 21 days without a game.
Broadbent is viewing the enforced break as a chance to improve and regroup after a difficult start to the season.
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“It’s crucial to put in a good performance this week,” the young full-back said.
“Hopefully doing that will give us the time and confidence to turn our season around and show other teams what we are capable of.
“The break can give us time to work on things that need improving, and also time to rest and recover for some of the lads who are carrying knocks and niggles.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s clash with the Vikings, Broadbent believes it will be a tough battle at the DCBL Stadium, against a side fighting to finish in the play-offs this season.
John Kear’s side are currently fourth in the Betfred Championship table, having won five of their eight matches so far. Their only defeats have come at home to Toulouse Olympique and away at Sheffield Eagles and Bradford Bulls.
Despite the challenge ahead of them, Broadbent believes the Raiders are capable of coming away with the two competition points.
“Widnes are a tough team who have been playing some good rugby this year under John Kear,” he added.
“They’ve had some good results so far this season. They look like they’ll be fighting for a play-off spot come the end of the season too, and we’re expecting a really tough battle.
“They’ve got plenty of good players that we’ll need to handle, but we are more than capable of going there, putting in a good performance and coming back with two points.”
Last time out in the Betfred Championship, the Raiders were edged out 16-14 by Cumbrian rivals Whitehaven at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium.
While Broadbent was disappointed with the setback, he wants to focus on showing signs of improvement against the Vikings.
“Losing by two points is tough to take, especially in a derby. We were going into the game confident after good performances against Halifax in the league and cup, so now it’s all about dusting ourselves off this week and putting the wrongs right against Widnes.”
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After a couple of outings as 18th man, Broadbent is currently enjoying a solid run in the team. He has featured in every Betfred Championship match since their 18-18 draw against Newcastle Thunder last month.
On his increased responsibility, he added: “I’ve been fortunate to play often during the season so far. I’m grateful for the opportunities Cresta (Paul Crarey) and the coaching staff have given me, and also for the trust they’ve shown in me.
“I know my role within the team this year, being a young lad, and I am learning from the more senior players within the group.
“We’ve got some really experienced backs who have played at the top level, and being alongside them is only going to improve my game.”
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