Barrow Raiders loose forward Tom Wilkinson says the squad are under no illusions about the importance of a win this weekend, as they prepare to host Widnes Vikings in the final game of the regular Betfred Championship season.
All Paul Crarey’s side need to do is match Swinton Lions’ result against Bradford Bulls to confirm their place in the second tier for 2025, and avoid having to play against the winners of the Betfred League 1 play-offs to determine who will secure the final Championship spot for next season.
With Swinton narrowly losing to Doncaster in their final home game of the season last weekend, an unfancied win against runaway league leaders Wakefield Trinity last time out would’ve secured the club’s Championship status.
The cards were always stacked against the much-changed Raiders in a 46-0 defeat last Saturday, and Wilkinson admits the players knew how difficult it would be.
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“Last week was always going to be a tough day at the office,” he said.
“Everyone knows what’s on the line this weekend, but the mood in camp hasn’t changed. Our destiny is in our own hands, and all our focus now is on beating Widnes and keeping our Championship status.”
The Raiders will have the luxury of playing their final game of the season in front of their home fans, something which rivals Swinton do not.
On the importance of home advantage, Wilkinson added: “It’s massive for us. Our fans are fantastic, and it definitely spurs the team on when we have our fans behind us.
“Keeping Barrow in the Championship is vital for us players, and the fans. We want to play against quality rugby players each week.”
Standing in the Raiders’ way this Sunday is a Widnes side who have lost three games in a row – a sequence which has seen them drop out of the play-off spots.
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The Vikings come into the weekend a point adrift of their three nearest rivals, with the fight for the top six coming down to the final weekend.
“Widnes are a good team and they showed us that at the start of the season,” Wilkinson added.
“However, I’m confident that as long as we turn up on the day and play for one another, we can get the job done.”
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