Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey has urged his players to start enjoying their rugby again after a difficult start to the season.
The Raiders have won just one of their opening eight fixtures in the Betfred Championship, losing six and drawing once. That leaves them second-bottom of the division, above basement side Newcastle Thunder on points difference alone.
Up next, they travel to a Widnes Vikings side keen to reach the play-offs this term after a strong start to the season.
When the sides last met at the DCBL Stadium, a fine performance in front of the TV cameras saw the Raiders record an impressive 34-24 victory back in March 2022.
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Previewing the Round 9 clash, Crarey said: “It’ll be a fast track. It was when we went there last year and got the win – the first time in 56 years, I believe.
“It’ll be very difficult and they’re playing pretty well under John Kear. We need to be at our best in all games.
“We probably took a step backwards last week against Whitehaven. When we reviewed the game, we left a lot of chances out there.
“We need to go there and start enjoying our rugby. I’ll take all the pressure off the boys, as long as they go there and give me 110%.”
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Crarey also admits his players need to clean up on the basics of the game after a disappointing Good Friday defeat to local rivals Whitehaven at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium.
“We’re giving away penalties and errors, and we’re a frustrated football team at the moment,” he added.
“When you’re down at the bottom end and scratching around for a win, that’s what happens. You force passes and little things upset you.
“Whitehaven deserved the win because they had that little bit of desire to get to loose balls and be on the end of kicks.”
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