Barrow Raiders hooker Josh Wood has signed a new one-year deal, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2024 season.
Wood first joined the Raiders in October 2021 ahead of the club’s return to the Betfred Championship and has played a key role in the growth of the squad ever since, making 47 appearances in total.
During that time, he has scored three tries, one of which came away at Widnes Vikings earlier this season.
The former Salford and Wakefield Trinity hooker, 27, was subject to interest from a number of other Championship clubs but has decided to extend his time in Cumbria.
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Wood has already made 16 appearances during the current campaign and will continue to be an important figure as the Raiders looks to preserve their Championship status for another year.
“It feels good to finally get the deal done,” he said. “I’ve been speaking with Gaff [director of rugby Andy Gaffney] and Cresta for a while about re-signing, so now I can just concentrate on my rugby and finish the season strongly.
“I’m enjoying my time at the club. Everyone involved with Barrow have treated me and my family really well, so it’s good to stay for another year.
“We’ve shown how good we can play at times this season, and we just need to put everything into the last games to push up the table.”
Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey said: “It’s fantastic news that Josh has agreed to sign a new deal that keeps him at the club.
“Despite rumours about him leaving, Josh made it clear to us that he loved playing at Barrow and would like to stay. Everyone at the club loves having him around the place. He is a role model for all our players, young or old, and an absolute warrior on the field.
“Wanted by almost every Championship club, it’s fantastic news that he wants to keep playing for this club.”
Chairman Steve Neale said: “We are delighted to re-sign Josh as he has played such a key role in the team over the last couple of years.
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“Members of the 1875 continue to help to fund the signing of Josh, and we would like to thank them for their donations, it really is appreciated.”
Director of rugby Andy Gaffney said: “Josh has proven himself to be one of the most consistent players in this division for a couple of seasons now, and it’s a real coup for the club that he wanted to sign this new deal.
“Everyone knows how important Josh is to what we’re trying to achieve, and that is why we look forward to seeing him develop even further as he continues to enjoy the best years of his career at the Raiders.”
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