Barrow Raiders winger Tee Ritson has joined St Helens on a season-long loan, with the option to make the move permanent.
Ritson joined the club from Newcastle Thunder in 2018 and went on to score a remarkable 70 tries in 73 appearances, averaging nearly a try per game.
He finished the 2022 Betfred Championship regular season as the top try-scorer in the division, and his displays throughout the campaign also saw him nominated for the 2022 Championship Player of the Year award.
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As well as his impressive on-field performances, Ritson has also been a key component in the club’s off-field activity through his role with the Advantage! Barrow Raiders Community Foundation.
After a number of standout seasons at the Raiders, Ritson was the subject of interest from a number of Super League clubs.
He will now get his chance in the top division with the 10-time Super League champions.
On his departure, Ritson said: “It’s an absolute dream come true for me personally. It’s been an ambition of mine to play at the top level and now I’ve got the chance to do that.
“I think that being at a club like Saints, with the wealth of knowledge there and experience of all their players, I’m only going to grow and improve.
“I know I’m far from the finished product, but being in their environment is only going to benefit me as a player.
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“I’ll forever be grateful for Barrow. I’ve said it to a couple of guys in the past, that Barrow has a special place in my heart.
“It’s the best club I’ve been involved in so far in my career – I’m not afraid to say that.
“They’ve done a lot for me, so I hope I’ve repaid them with my performances on the field. I hope I’ve made the fans proud.”
Barrow Raiders chairman Steve Neale said: “After Tee’s fabulous season for the Raiders, we had multiple Super League clubs expressing an interest in signing him, but both Barrow Raiders and Tee think that this is the best possible deal.
“Tee had a Super League release clause, so the club were powerless to stop a move, and we wouldn’t want to get in the way of Tee’s ambition, given how much he has done for the club with his exceptional community work complimenting his on-field performances.
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“The deal gives a safety net for Tee in that if he doesn’t make the Saints squad then Barrow have the option of recalling him to play for the Raiders.
“Should things work out then Saints have the option to buy out the third year of Tee’s Barrow contract, but if he fails to make the grade then he can return to us.
“We obviously wish Tee well, and we hope he makes the grade and fulfils all his dreams.
“We look forward to the rest of the rugby league world finding out what a special talent we had.”
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