Barrow Raiders Ladies have bolstered their squad for the remainder of the Betfred Women’s Super League season, with three new faces linking up with the first team.
Second-rower Madeline Neale, utility back Shannon Parker and loose forward Frances Harley have all made the step up from the Raiders Ladies’ reserve team. They will be in contention to feature in this weekend’s squad to face Salford Red Devils Women.
Neale, 22, only started playing rugby in June last year but has quickly caught the eye of head coach Amanda Wilkinson due to her impressive defensive work.
Away from rugby, she is a keen weightlifter who has deadlifted twice her own body weight!
“I’m really excited to have signed for the first team and am now in with a chance of playing Super League,” she said.
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“It’s going to be a big step up, but I’m excited for the challenge and ready to up my game and move to a different level where I can improve and build on what I’ve already learnt.”
Parker, 19, spent three years as a competitive swimmer, but has more recently been impressing for the Raiders Ladies Reserves.
She said: “I play as I love being part of the team and have always enjoyed rugby. I’m excited for the opportunity and can’t wait to give it my all.”
The first team’s final new addition is former ballerina Harley, who returned to the sport to play for the reserves in June 2022 after not taking it up since her school days.
On what it means to join the first team, she said: “I am delighted to have signed at Super League level.
“I am really looking forward to learning new skills and expanding my knowledge of the game. From not playing rugby for a long time to then being part of the club’s first team, I am excited and look forward to the challenges that are ahead.”
Discussing her trio of new signings, Barrow Ladies head coach Amanda Wilkinson said: “All three have impressed me this season playing for the reserves, and showing great commitment to training too.
“They are all quite different players but have shown a lot of potential.
“Fran’s desire and work rate is phenomenal, Shannon shows great skill and pace with the ball and Maddie is a natural in defence, showing great technique and strength in contact, whilst also being a very strong runner and breaking the line with her effective carries and determination.”
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The Raiders Ladies are currently second in the Betfred Women’s Super League Group 2, one point adrift of league leaders Leigh Leopards.
Only the top team at the end of the regular season will secure promotion to Super League, with the four below competing in the play-offs.
Wilkinson’s side will welcome Salford Red Devils Women to the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium this Sunday (2pm kick-off). Tickets for that fixture can be bought on the gate.
That will be followed by a trip to Leigh next week, in what could be a potential promotion decider.
In other news, we can confirm that current first team player Cerys Rice will leave the club after Sunday’s game as she relocates from the area.
We wish Cerys all the best for the future.
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