Nathan Mossop relishing first Cumbrian derby of 2022

Barrow Raiders hooker Nathan Mossop says he is excited to face off against Cumbrian rivals Whitehaven this weekend. 

Mossop recently entered his 13th season with the club, and has been granted a 12-month testimonial by the RFL in recognition of his services to the game. 

Last weekend, he was part of the Raiders side that marked their return to the Betfred Championship with a hard-fought 22-10 victory over Sheffield Eagles.

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An ever-present in Paul Crarey’s League 1 promotion-winning side of 2021, Mossop and his team-mates are on the road for the first time this season on Sunday, as they travel to Whitehaven’s Recreation Ground.

Haven, coached by Gary Charlton, reached the Championship play-offs last season, and Mossop is under no illusions that it will be a typically fierce derby affair. 

“If you were to ask me at the start of the season before the fixtures came out, as a Cumbrian born and bred, I’d always be looking at when we’d play Whitehaven or Workington,” he said. 

“We’ve got a foundation of local players in the Barrow side, and it does really add that spice to the game. 

“You’ve got a lot of friends and family, people who you work with, coming to watch the game as well, so it adds to the excitement. 

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“The boys who travel from outside of Cumbria understand how big of a game it is for the club too.”

The Raiders in action against Sheffield Eagles.

Last weekend’s victory on home soil, in front of nearly 2,000 fans at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium, saw the Raiders make a winning return to the second division, despite gale-force winds making for difficult playing conditions.

Mossop, who will wear the number nine shirt again this season, says the squad are ready for the ongoing challenge of the Betfred Championship, adding that Raiders supporters can play a crucial role as the season progresses.

Discussing their win over the Eagles, he said: “If you would’ve offered me that result before kick-off, I’d have ripped your hand off! 

“Sheffield have been a consistent team in the Championship over a number of years, and they have a strong squad. 

“I think that, collectively, the lads stuck in, stuck to our processes and got the win. It was pleasing to see the lads stick to the game plan and do what’s been asked of us. 

“We couldn’t have started the season better, and we’ve just got to build that momentum this weekend against Whitehaven.”

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On the fans, he added: “We’re fortunate at a club like Barrow to have a fantastic fan base.

“[Having a big crowd] is a massive lift for us, especially when we get into that grind against teams who are competing well. 

“It gives us that little extra push. But for us as players, it’s just about turning up week in, week out and focusing on what we’re in control of.  

“Over the next few weeks, we’ve got a good opportunity to build some momentum and go into those tough games in a positive way.”


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