Barrow Raiders kick off their 2026 Betfred Championship campaign this Sunday with an all-Cumbrian clash, welcoming Workington Town to the Northern Competitions Stadium.

Sunday’s Round 1 clash will be the Raiders’ first fixture in a new-look Championship division consisting of 21 teams.

It will also be the first competitive fixture between the two sides since January 2024, when Paul Crarey’s men bested Workington Town 30-8 at the Fibrus Community Stadium in the 1895 Cup.

Below, we’ve compiled everything you need to know ahead of the fixture.

Paul Crarey preview

Head coach Paul Crarey previews this weekend’s Cumbrian derby clash.

Ryan Johnston & Luke Cresswell

Ahead of the opening fixture of the new season, we caught up with new club captain Ryan Johnston and vice-captain Luke Cresswell.

Team news

Our 21-man squad has been named ahead of Sunday’s Round 1 showdown with Workington Town.

Forwards Greg Richards and Stevie Watson will go into contention to make their competitive debut for the Raiders this Sunday.

Ryan Johnston will also lead the side out for his first competitive fixture, after it was announced that the half-back would take over the captaincy from Jarrad Stack ahead of the upcoming 2026 season.

Alex Bishop and Shane Toal miss out on the 21-man squad due to injury.

Ticket information

Sunday’s Betfred Championship fixture at the Northern Competitions Stadium kicks off at 2pm. Match tickets, available to buy online at a discounted price until midnight the day before the game, or at the turnstiles, are priced as follows:

Online admission price:

  • Adults: £18
  • Juniors: Free*

Turnstile admission price:

  • Adults: £20
  • Juniors: Free*

*All juniors are free, but those UNDER secondary school age must be supervised by an adult.

The fixture will be streamed live on Lounges.TV. Supporters can purchase a streaming pass for £8 +VAT by clicking here.

For supporters who cannot attend, live audio coverage will be available via BBC Radio Cumbria.

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