It promises to be an action-packed Good Friday for Barrow Raiders as they travel to face Betfred Championship leaders Featherstone Rovers at the Millennium Stadium.
Paul Crarey’s side come into the game full of confidence following last Sunday’s dramatic 23-22 victory over Bradford Bulls at Odsal; a result that ended their three-game winless run in all competitions.
The Raiders also lie third in the division, two points and two places off top spot after a fantastic start to the season.
However, Friday’s match promises to be a difficult task away from home against the only side in the competition still boasting an unbeaten record, with Featherstone winning six and drawing one of their opening seven matches.
It is also the first of two meetings between the sides in less than a month, with their 1895 Cup semi-final at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium taking place on Sunday 8 May at 2:00pm.
The opposition
Featherstone, one of the early-season favourites for promotion, have underlined their credentials with a fantastic run of results in the early weeks of the season.
A notable 28-6 victory over fellow frontrunners Leigh Centurions in Round 2 helped Brian McDermott’s side kick off their 2022 campaign with seven straight wins in all competitions. Even their exit in the Betfred Challenge Cup came despite an admirable performance in the south of France as they lost 27-14 to last season’s beaten Super League grand finalists Catalans Dragons.
Rovers’ squad, which includes a number of players with Super League and NRL experience, has been enhanced by the recent acquisition of ex-Toulouse Olympique full-back and France international Mark Kheirallah.
And in McDermott, four times a Super League title-winner as coach, they have one of the most respected bosses in the British game.
Squad news
The Raiders have been bolstered by the return of top scorer Tee Ritson and powerful forward Anton Iaria. However, outside back Ryan Shaw will miss the game due to injury.
On-loan Wakefield youngster Jack Croft is named in the squad, while Raiders captain Jarrad Stack is set to make his 100th appearance for the club.
Paul Crarey preview
We caught up with head coach Paul Crarey ahead of Friday’s clash.
“It’s a massive mountain to climb this week, but we’re up for the challenge.” ??♂️
More from the boss ahead of tomorrow’s trip to @FevRoversRLFC… pic.twitter.com/JoLwkRHKLS
— Barrow Raiders (@BarrowRaiders) April 14, 2022
Match information
Our Good Friday fixture at the Millennium Stadium kicks off at 6:00pm.
Match tickets are priced as follows:
- Adults: £20
- Concession: £15
- Junior: Free
Get your tickets for our Good Friday trip to Featherstone Rovers!